Public Health Investigates a Cluster of Reported Hepatitis C Cases Who Received Care at a Local Clinic February 27, 2019 Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Public Health 919 The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is notifying patients of Westside Multispecialty Medical Group located at 6200 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1212, Los Angeles, of possible hepatitis C exposure. Public Health recommends that all patients who received injections, infusions, or procedures at this clinic between January 2016 and December 2018 be tested for hepatitis C. Public Health sent approximately 500 letters to individuals who received care at the Westside Multispecialty Medical Group with information about hepatitis C and instructions on how to obtain free testing at Public Health clinics or obtain testing at private providers at their own expense. Patients who believe they were seen at this clinic and have not received a letter should call (213) 288-8787 for more information, including guidance on how to arrange for testing. Public Health identified six acute cases of hepatitis C in patients seen at this clinic. The mechanism of transmission, however, has not yet been identified and no other infections have been identified in relationship to this clinic. The clinic has voluntarily closed while the investigation continues. The patients infected with hepatitis C received procedures at this clinic and did not report other forms of blood-to-blood contact. Hepatitis C virus is usually transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, such as during IV drug use or as a result of lapses in infection control procedures in healthcare settings. In addition to hepatitis C, Public Health is recommending that patients also be tested for hepatitis B and HIV, as these infections may also spread through contact with blood. Testing is important as many patients who develop these infections do not develop any symptoms, but there are steps people can take to treat the infections, protect their health, and prevent giving infections to others. Additional information is available online; http://ph.lacounty.gov/acd/RespondHepC/ or by calling (213) 288-8787. The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of over 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,100 employees and has an annual budget of $1 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichealth .lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapubl ichealth, facebook.com/l apublichealth and youtube.com/lap ublichealth.