October 29, 2018

Confirmed Hepatitis A Case in an Individual Who Stayed in Portland Shelters

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) confirmed a hepatitis A case in a person who is experiencing homelessness in Portland, Maine. The case stayed overnight at Oxford Street Shelter and Florence House, and spent time during the day at Preble Street Resource Center during their infectious period, which was October 1st though October 21st.

This case is of concern because several states in the U.S. are experiencing large outbreaks of Hepatitis A infections, especially among persons experiencing homelessness and persons who use drugs. Maine CDC will be holding a free hepatitis A vaccination clinic at the Preble Street Resource Center located at 38 Preble Street in Portland for anyone who stayed at one of these shelters or used the Resource Center during this time. Maine CDC's Public Health Nursing Program will be administering hepatitis A vaccine at Preble Street on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, from 8:00am to 1:00pm, and on Thursday, November 1st, 2018 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Medical providers across the state should routinely identify and vaccinate people who are at an increased risk of hepatitis A: people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, and men who have sex with men.

Alert (PDF) | Fact Sheet (PDF)