Los Angeles County has declared a community-wide outbreak of hepatitis A following a sustained increase in reported cases and elevated levels of the virus found in local wastewater.
Since the beginning of 2024, 165 cases have been reported—more than triple the number recorded in 2023—according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Of the 29 confirmed cases so far in 2025, most have occurred in individuals without traditional risk factors, such as recent international travel or unstable housing, the department reported.
This unexpected rise in cases among low-risk individuals has paralleled a notable increase in hepatitis A concentrations in wastewater samples.
Although health officials stress that the overall risk to the general public remains low, they are urging community-wide preventive efforts to help limit further spread of the virus.
