Governor Brown declares State of Emergency to combat Hepatitis A outbreak

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Governor Jerry Brown has declared a State of Emergency to combat a Hepatitis A outbreak.

The outbreak has killed 18 people in San Diego so far.

The governor says the proclamation will allow the state to increase its' supply of vaccines. The state can now purchase vaccines directly from manufacturers and distribute them.

There are 578 cases reported throughout California, mostly in San Diego's homeless population.