Researchers examined reports of hepatitis A virus infections across the United States. They compared the number of reports from 2013-2015 to the number from 2016-2018. The study found that reports of hepatitis A infections increased by 294% in the later period. This means reports more than tripled.
The study did not report how many people were included or what specific groups were affected. It also did not look into what might have caused this increase. The researchers did not report any safety concerns or specific outcomes for people who got sick.
It is important to know this was an observational study. This type of study can show a pattern or link, but it cannot prove what caused the pattern. Many factors could explain a change in reported infections, including better testing or changes in reporting rules.
Readers should understand this study shows a concerning increase in reported hepatitis A cases. However, more research is needed to understand why this happened and what it means for public health. People concerned about hepatitis A should talk to their doctor about vaccination, which is a safe and effective way to prevent infection.