[1][5] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the outbreak as a continuation in a rise in the number of Hepatitis A cases beginning in 2016.

Severe complications, high rates of hospitalization, and at least 200 deaths have occurred nationwide as a result of these outbreaks.

[5]The outbreak has been worst in areas with high incidence of drug use, poor sanitation, and homelessness.

[1] On August 1, 2019, the Philadelphia Department of Health declared the Hepatitis A outbreak to be a public health emergency, advising persons at risk to be vaccinated for the disease, and offering free vaccinations for those in contact with infected persons.

[6] Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez tweeted "We urge vaccination and stress the importance of washing your hands regularly".