Unusual Hepatitis Surge Prompts Health Alert in Nantes, France
A concerning rise in hepatitis cases is prompting increased vigilance from health officials in the Nantes metropolitan area of France. With 12 cases reported in June and 9 in the first half of July, the region is experiencing an “atypical” surge in infections, according to the Pays de la Loire Regional Health Agency (ARS).
Rising Cases in a European Context
While cases of hepatitis are generally increasing across Europe, the concentration of infections around Nantes is raising specific concerns. The ARS notes the situation deviates from typical regional patterns. Data indicates a steady increase in cases within Loire-Atlantique over the past four years: 6 cases were identified in 2021, 7 in 2022, 12 in 2023, and 14 in 2024.
Investigation Underway to Determine Origins
To understand the source of the outbreak, the Nantes University Hospital and private laboratories have submitted patient blood samples to the National VHA and VHE reference center for analysis. Preliminary findings suggest a complex situation with “different contexts” contributing to the surge. A leading virologist indicated that a significant number of cases are linked to recent travel and a notable proportion involve individuals facing precarious living conditions.
Since April, a total of 25 cases have been identified by the National Reference Center (CNR) and the ARS Pays de la Loire. The virologist explained, “There are very different strains. Some are infected with the same strain, in this case we define clusters.”
Public Health Response and Vaccination Recommendations
Health professionals throughout the Nantes agglomeration have been alerted and urged to enhance their clinical awareness. The ARS is strongly advocating for vaccination among eligible individuals. A key recommendation is to vaccinate close contacts of confirmed cases within 14 days of symptom onset – a practice that, according to one expert, is not consistently followed by physicians.
The ARS outlined specific vaccination guidelines in the event of a confirmed hepatitis case:
- Family Contacts: Vaccination is recommended for all household members to prevent intra-family transmission.
- Eligible Individuals: Those born after 1945, with no prior history of jaundice, and who have not spent more than a year in a country with a high prevalence of hepatitis A should be vaccinated as soon as possible, without preliminary testing. If any of these criteria are not met, a serological test to check for existing immunity is advised, provided it can be completed within 14 days of symptom onset.
- Vulnerable Communities: Individuals within communities experiencing precarious hygiene conditions should be vaccinated immediately upon identification of a case, and within 14 days of symptom onset, to prevent wider spread.
The recommendations emphasize swift action to contain potential outbreaks.
This situation underscores the importance of proactive public health measures and continued vigilance against infectious diseases.
Source: Le Figaro, July 18, 2025. Associated areas: France (metropolis only).
