(Los Angeles, CA) -- Los Angeles County health officials are ramping up efforts to stop the spread of Hepatitis "A" in the region, especially as cases begin to surge among local gay and bisexual men who are not homeless. The massive outbreak that started in San Diego has claimed 20 lives in California and sickened over 600 others statewide, mostly in the homeless community.
L.A. County has seen 15 reported cases among those who are either homeless or use recreational drugs since the outbreak was first reported in September. Hepatitis "A" is a contagious liver disease that spreads easily through homeless populations due to unsanitary conditions.