Hepatitis A Outbreak Response Guide for Elderly Care Facilities

Immediate Steps: Isolation, Communication & Health Department Notification

Upon suspicion of Hepatitis A, immediately isolate affected residents in separate areas with dedicated bathroom facilities and staff, following CDC guidance on contact precautions. Notify your local health department without delay—they will launch an investigation and may issue guidance specific to your outbreak. Within 24 hours, communicate with family members, staff, and residents about confirmed cases (respecting HIPAA privacy rules) and post clear notices about hygiene protocols. Activate your facility's emergency response team and document the initial date and suspected source. The FDA and CDC maintain public outbreak databases; your health department will coordinate any official reporting.

Product Checks, Food Safety, and Source Investigation

Work with your food service director or contracted provider to immediately review sourcing records for food and water served 15–50 days before symptom onset (the Hepatitis A incubation window). Request supplier certificates of analysis and check for any concurrent recalls through FDA.gov and FSIS.USDA.gov. The health department investigator will typically conduct environmental swabs and food sampling; cooperate fully and preserve all records. Implement enhanced sanitation of high-touch surfaces, bathrooms, and dining areas using EPA-approved disinfectants effective against Hepatitis A. Discontinue use of suspected products pending test results.

Health Department Coordination and Documentation Requirements

Maintain detailed line lists of all symptomatic residents and staff, including onset dates, symptoms, and exposure history—this is essential for epidemiological investigation. Your health department may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with immune globulin for exposed unvaccinated individuals; ensure staff assist residents in accessing this within 2 weeks of exposure. Document all communications with health officials, test results, vaccination records, and cleaning logs in a centralized file. Report to your state health agency if required (rules vary by jurisdiction). The CDC and your health department will guide isolation duration and return-to-work policies; typically, infected individuals may return when symptom-free for at least one week.

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