Why Victoria has its worst hep A outbreak in decades

A major outbreak of hepatitis A across Europe and the United States has spread to Victoria .

There has been 263 cases here — two fatal — in the worst outbreak since the introduction of modern sewerage.

Hep A is highly contagious and attacks the liver.

Acting Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told 3AW Breakfast the infection mainly affects men who have sex with men.

“But we’ve also had people who inject drugs,” Mr Sutton said.

Click PLAY to hear the full interview + explanation