Health care providers urged to ‘remain vigilant’ against highly contagious liver infection

The Boston Public Health Commission has been informed of two positive cases of hepatitis A among homeless people in the past week. (Robin Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

Cases of hepatitis A have been confirmed among Boston’s homeless population, and the city’s public health officials are urging health care providers to “remain vigilant” for signs of the highly contagious liver infection in patients.

The Boston Public Health Commission has been informed of two positive cases among homeless people in the past week.

Both homeless residents have received medical care and neither required hospitalization, according to BPHC.

“The Boston Public Health Commission urges the city’s health care providers, especially those who work closely with homeless populations and drug users, to monitor their patients for influenza A,” BPHC said in a statement Wednesday. Stay alert for signs of hepatitis.”

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Its severity ranges from a mild infection that lasts a few weeks to a severe illness that lasts several months.

The virus is mainly spread from person to person through the fecal-oral route and through exposure to fecal contaminated environments. Particularly at-risk populations include the homeless and people who inject drugs.

Regulations require Boston’s health care providers and institutions to report all cases of hepatitis A virus infection, hepatitis B virus infection, or meningococcal meningitis diagnosed among city residents to the Boston Public Health Commission.

Health care providers are told to test anyone who shows symptoms of hepatitis A, especially those who are homeless or using drugs. Common symptoms of hepatitis A include abdominal pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhea, nausea and fatigue.

All high-risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated, including those who are homeless, people who use injectable or non-injectable drugs, people with chronic liver disease (including chronic hepatitis C infection or chronic hepatitis B infection), and men who have sex with men.

Additionally, facilities serving at-risk populations should maintain hand hygiene at entrances and exits and encourage frequent hand washing. Handwashing with antibacterial soap and hot water should be encouraged.