Hepatitis A: Rise in the Number of Cases Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Since early 2017, an outbreak of hepatitis A has been affecting gay and bisexual men in France, and the number of cases is rising across Europe and in many regions of France. In light of the summer season and upcoming community events, Santé publique France is releasing an update on the situation and launching a digital campaign from June 23 to July 12, 2017, to raise awareness of the outbreak, provide information on transmission risks, and remind the public that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A.
Situation in mainland France: a steady increase since the start of the year
Between January 1 and May 31, 2017, 771 cases of acute hepatitis A were reported: 65 in January, 87 in February, 155 in March, 185 in April, and 279 in May. In the first five months of the year, the number of reported cases of acute hepatitis A has already exceeded the 693 cases recorded in 2016 and is affecting men in particular. The regions of Île-de-France (221), Hauts-de-France (157), followed by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (79), Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (53), and Occitanie (50) are the most affected.
View the situation report
Number of hepatitis A cases by region (men and women), January–May 2017, mainland France
A resource for information and prevention
The website for the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections aimed at men who have sex with men, sexosafe.fr, has been updated with a section dedicated to hepatitis A prevention. From June 23 to July 12, 2017, informational messages are being shared on Facebook and dating apps to alert users to the outbreak and remind them of preventive measures.
How can you protect yourself?
Vaccination is the most effective protection against infection. To limit the spread of the virus, it is therefore important to:
- use condoms, latex squares, or latex gloves during sexual intercourse- do not share enema tips or sex toys- wash your hands before and after sexual intercourse- wash your hands after using the restroom
Learn more about recommended vaccinations: http://sexosafe.fr/vaccination
Sexosafe.fr: 6 sections to find information in one click
Sexosafe.fr is a website by Santé publique France. It is intended for the general public, healthcare professionals, and, more broadly, anyone seeking information on the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men. The site offers quick and easy access to prevention information and tools tailored to individual needs and situations through 6 sections: condoms, testing, PrEP, PEP, PEP, and vaccination.
Overview of the disease
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver. Symptoms of hepatitis A include severe fatigue, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin. It is a notifiable disease. Santé publique France, in collaboration with the National Reference Center, is responsible for monitoring this disease.
Learn more: Hepatitis A fact sheet
