Hepatitis A cases rising among gay men in Denmark

Health officials in Denmark have identified a cluster of new hepatitis A cases in the country, with 28 new cases reported so far this year, most of which have been diagnosed among gay and bisexual men, Eurosurveillance Weekly reports. Sixteen of 20 cases reported in Copenhagen were among gay men. Health officials also say syphilis cases among gay men in the country are rising, but they have not yet established a link between syphilis and hepatitis A increases. The researchers suggest that all sexually active gay and bisexual men in the country be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as should people who live with individuals who've been diagnosed with hepatitis A infection. Researchers also call for public awareness campaigns about the risk of hepatitis A infection for sexually active gay men. The hepatitis A virus can be transmitted through sexual contact; high-risk sexual activities include oral-anal contact, oral-digital contact, and anal sex. Contact with contaminated blood, nonsexual social contact, and consuming contaminated food also can transmit the virus.