County Encourages Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Mpox

County Public Health officials are encouraging vaccines for Hepatitis A and Mpox as cases for both rise in the region.

The County reports three unrelated cases of hepatitis A in housed people who did not travel outside the country. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by a virus. The three people who recently became ill were not vaccinated and two needed hospitalizations.

Additionally, 14 new cases of Mpox have been reported in the last three months, more than double the number of cases reported earlier this year which has remained low.

Hepatitis A

Anyone can get sick with hepatitis A but those who may be more at risk include people experiencing homelessness, users of illicit drugs, men who have sex with men and have more than one partner and international travelers.

Hepatitis A can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, as well as by sexual and other close contact. Using protective barriers can help reduce the risk of getting sick with hepatitis A.

So far in 2025, there have been 10 cases of hepatitis A reported in San Diego County.

The best protection against hepatitis A is getting vaccinated. The vaccine is available for everyone starting at 12 months of age.

It is also important to practice good hygiene like handwashing. This is especially important in restrooms, after diaper changes, before eating and preparing food, and before and after sexual and other close contact with others.

"The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent someone from getting sick even 14 days after exposure to the virus," said Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. "The vaccine is recommended for everyone starting at 12 months of age and is especially important for those most at risk. It is available through healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics and at no cost at any County public health center."

Hepatitis A symptoms include sudden abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, light-colored bowel movements, and vomiting, followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Symptoms may appear from 15 to 50 days after exposure, with the average time being about one month. Sickness can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months.

For more information about hepatitis A infection and prevention, visit the County's Hepatitis A website.

Mpox

Anyone can get mpox as it is a virus that is spread through close physical contact with someone who has mpox. The global outbreak of mpox which started in 2022 mostly impacted men who have sex with men, which continues to be the case.

Mpox infections usually cause rashes or sores throughout the body that can last for two to four weeks. Rashes can happen in sensitive areas and can be extremely painful. Often, but not always, people with mpox experience flu-like symptoms before the rash or sores appear.

The JYNNEOS vaccine provides protection against Mpox. People who have received only one dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine should get their second dose 28 days later for maximum protection. If past the 28 days, people should get the second dose as soon as possible.

Other ways to protect yourself from Mpox include avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with others who have a rash, blisters or scabs, avoiding objects or materials used by a person who has mpox, and washing your hands often with soap and water especially before eating or touching your face.

If you learn you have been exposed, watch for symptoms for 21 days and visit a healthcare provider. The JYNNEOS vaccine can be given up to 14 days after exposure to help prevent Mpox.

You can also sign up to receive weekly updates by texting COSD MPOX to 468-311 .

Contact your healthcare provider to ask about getting vaccinated against mpox, Hepatitis A or both. If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact 2-1-1. Both vaccinations are available County of San Diego sexual health clinics in the North Coastal, Central, and South Public Health Center locations.