Hepatitis A Surveillance

Highlights

  • There were 5,728 new cases of hepatitis A reported during 2021.
  • There were 11,500 estimated infections during 2021.
  • There were 1.7 reported cases of hepatitis A per 100,000 population during 2021.
  • The best way to prevent hepatitis A is by being vaccinated.
CDC 2021 Hepatitis A Surveillance Report

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by infection of the liver with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is usually transmitted person to person through the fecal-oral route or through consumption of contaminated food or water.

Most adults and older children with hepatitis A have symptoms that usually resolve within 2 months after infection; children aged less than 6 years usually do not have symptoms, or they have an unrecognized infection.

Signs and symptoms associated with hepatitis A can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine or clay-colored stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Jaundice
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Hepatitis A is a self-limited disease that does not result in chronic infection. Treatment for HAV infection might include rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Hospitalization might be required for more severe cases.

Fact

The best way to prevent hepatitis A is by being vaccinated.

Quick facts

Hepatitis A in 2021

5,728

There were 5,728 new cases of hepatitis A reported during 2021.

11,500

There were 11,500 estimated infections during 2021.

1.7

There were 1.7 reported cases of hepatitis A per 100,000 population during 2021.

Hepatitis A cases remain 4 times higher than in 2015

After annual increases since 2015, hepatitis A cases began to decrease in 2020. Since 2016, the United States experienced multistate hepatitis A outbreaks primarily caused by person-to-person spread mostly among adults who experience homelessness or use drugs. From 2020-2021, there was a 43% decrease in incidence.

During 2021, eight states declared an end to outbreaks. However, the number of cases in 2021 remains 4 times higher than in 2015.

Fast facts about hepatitis A during 2021

Rate of hepatitis A cases

-43%
The rate of hepatitis A cases decreased 43% from 2020–2021.

Highest rate of hepatitis A cases

30–39

Persons aged 30–39 years have the highest rate of hepatitis A.

Number of hepatitis A cases

4x

The number of hepatitis A cases during 2021 is 4x higher than during 2015.

Case rates by demographics

76%

76% of hepatitis A cases occurred among non-Hispanic White persons.

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About Division of Viral Hepatitis