After reports regarding hepatitis A case increases in Pima County have surfaced from southern Arizona health officials, a partnership has been formed among local health agencies to boost vaccinations and awareness.

So far this year, there have been 22 confirmed cases in Pima County and officials say it marks a high spike from just five cases in 2017 and 12 in 2016.

According to Pima County Health Department Director Marcy Flanagan, outbreaks are becoming more common around the U.S. and can be very difficult to stop once they begin.

The rising volume of people experiencing homelessness, along with the use of illicit drugs, is believed to be the source at the increase in cases.

Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe one persisting for months. Liver failure and even death can result in rare cases.