Increase in Hepatitis A Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Education

In 2017, 33 total cases of hepatitis A (HAV) were confirmed. Fifteen HAV cases were confirmed among men who have sex with men (MSM), 58 percent of male cases, compared to one per year in 2015 and 2016. Twelve cases occurred among MSM who were neither homeless nor actively using drugs. So far in 2018, one additional MSM case has been confirmed and 2 investigations are pending. This increase has occurred in the setting of several large hepatitis A outbreaks across the U.S. in individuals who are homeless, illicit drug-users and MSM. MSM are recognized to be at higher risk for infection with HAV. The Chicago Department of Public Health has partnered with Howard Brown Health Center to make hepatitis A vaccine to high-risk individuals who are uninsured or unable to pay.

Howard Brown Health Clark 6500 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60626
773.388.1600
Howard Brown Health 63rd St. 641 W. 63rd St.
Chicago, IL 60621
773.388.1600
Howard Brown Health Sheridan 4025 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613
773.388.1600
Howard Brown Health at TPAN 5537 North Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
773.388.1600
Howard Brown Health Halsted 3245 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
773.388.1600
Howard Brown Health Diversey 2800 N Sheridan, Suite 211
Chicago, IL 60657
773.472.7412
Howard Brown Health 55th St. 1525 East 55th Street
Chicago, IL 60615
773.388.1600
Howard Brown Health at Thresholds South 734 W 47th Street
Chicago, IL 60609
773.388.1600
Broadway Youth Center (ages 12-24 years only) 4009 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60613
773.935.3151
Walk-in available: Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri: Noon–7pm
For additional questions about the hepatitis A vaccination program at Howard Brown Health Center, please contact Kristin Keglovitz at 773-572- 8357 or kristink@howardbrown.org.

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