SACRAMENTO – (INT) - Governor Brown issued an emergency proclamation Friday that allows the state to increase its supply of hepatitis A vaccines in order to control the current outbreak.

Immunizations from the federal vaccine program have been distributed to at-risk populations in affected areas, but additional supplies are needed.

The proclamation gives the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) authority to immediately purchase vaccines directly from manufacturers and distribute them to impacted communities.

CDPH has already distributed nearly 80,000 doses of the vaccine.

The hepatitis A infection is associated with poor sanitation and hygiene and is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and drink or through direct contact with an infected person. The virus can live for months in a contaminated environment, particularly in the absence of good sanitation.

To control the outbreak and prevent further spread, CDPH recommends the vaccination of people in affected areas who are homeless or using illicit drugs.

Hepatitis A infection typically causes fever, a general ill feeling with lack of appetite and nausea, and, later in the course of the infection, yellowness of the skin and eyes.

The adult hepatitis A vaccine is different than the one given to children, of which there is ample supply.

Story Date: October 22, 2017