Widespread Hepatitis A Outbreaks Associated with Person-to-Person Transmission — United States, 2016–2020

What is already known about this topic? Hepatitis A cases declined substantially in the United States after the introduction of hepatitis A vaccines in 1996. What is added by this report? Hepatitis A epidemiology in the United States has shifted as a result of recent and ongoing outbreaks associated with person-to-person transmission. During August 1, 2016–December 31, 2020, 33 states reported hepatitis A outbreaks involving approximately 37,500 cases. Among cases with available information, 56% of persons reported drug use, 14% reported homelessness, and 61% were hospitalized; 380 outbreak-associated deaths were reported. What are the implications for public health practice? Increased hepatitis A vaccination coverage, through implementation of nontraditional vaccination strategies to reach disproportionately affected populations, along with improved universal and catch-up childhood vaccination, will be necessary to respond to the current hepatitis A outbreaks and prevent similar outbreaks in the future.