The governor of California has declared the state of emergency in connection with the epidemic of the hepatitis A virus, according to a document published on the website of the state government.
"The introduction of the emergency regime will allow the California health department to purchase vaccines directly from manufacturers and transfer them to the affected areas," it said.
California has recently witnessed the largest hepatitis A epidemic in the United States in 22 years. Outbreaks have been reported in a number of counties that are hardest hit by homeless people and drug addicts. The Californian government notes that "vaccination of the population at risk, as well as improving the sanitary situation is the most effective way to stop the transmission of the hepatitis A virus."
Since November 2016, more than 560 cases have been reported in the cities of San Diego, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, including 17 deaths, according to the California Department of Health. Michigan has reported 376 cases since late August. The Colorado Department of Health announced 120 new documented cases of hepatitis A infection (four deaths) in September.
As defined by the World Health Organization, hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that can be mild or severe. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infected person.
Earlier, the Russian Federal Tourism Agency recommended that Russians in the US states of California, Michigan and Colorado follow the rules of hygiene.