Epidemiology of Suspected and Confirmed Acute Hepatitis E Cases Reported Among Los Angeles County Residents, 2017-2019

In a 3-year period, 38 of 48 persons testing positive for hepatitis E virus (HEV) immunoglobulin M in Los Angeles County did not meet the acute HEV case definition. Healthcare providers should restrict HEV serologic testing for persons with clinically compatible symptoms or epidemiologic risk factors.

Automated summary

In Los Angeles County, 38 out of 48 individuals who tested positive for hepatitis E virus (HEV) immunoglobulin M did not meet the criteria for acute HEV cases during a 3-year period. Healthcare providers should limit HEV serologic testing to individuals with clinically compatible symptoms or epidemiologic risk factors.