Detection of Acute Hepatitis C Outbreaks in California Using SaTScan: Statewide Spatiotemporal Analysis

Background

Acute hepatitis C virus outbreaks in California are identified by local health jurisdictions through the investigation of cases reported by laboratories and health care providers to the state's public health surveillance system. However, acute hepatitis C cases are widely underreported, limiting timely outbreak detection and early intervention. SaTScan (Space and Time Scan Statistics) has been proposed as a valuable tool to better detect disease clusters that may be missed by traditional surveillance, even when the disease is underreported, but it is not routinely used for acute hepatitis C surveillance. Timely outbreak detection enables prompt investigation, interruption of transmission networks, and expeditious access to treatment that prevents chronic hepatitis C progression.