BRADENTON, FL — With nearly 2,600 cases of hepatitis A reported in Florida since January 2018, state health officials have declared a public health emergency and urged people to take precautions against the spread of the disease.
In declaring the health emergency on Thursday, State Surgeon General and State Health Officer Dr. Scott A Rivkees requested assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and advised health care workers to actively screen for — and vaccinate people —most at risk for the disease.
Health officials noted that the number of reported hepatitis A cases in the state have already surpassed those in 2018, which nearly doubled from 2017 and more than doubled between 2016 and 2017.
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“I am declaring this public health emergency as a proactive step to appropriately alert the public to this serious illness and prevent further spread of Hepatitis A in our state,” said Rivkees. “The best way to prevent hepatitis A is through vaccination. It is important that we vaccinate as many high-risk individuals as possible in order to achieve herd immunity. I will continue to work with Gov. DeSantis and Lieutenant Gov. Jeanette Nuñez to take proactive steps to protect the health of Florida’s residents and visitors.”
Hepatitis A spreads through the feces of infected people but can be prevented through a vaccine. It is caused by a contagious virus that infects the liver and can lead to serious liver problems.
“If a person with the virus doesn’t wash his or her hands after going to the bathroom, feces can transfer to objects, food, drinks or drugs,” according to Florida health officials. “When these things are shared, other people can unknowingly swallow the virus. If a person who has the virus comes in close contact with others — like during sex — the virus can also spread.”
The declaration of public health emergency states that commonly used alcohol-based hand sanitizing products are not effective against hepatitis A.
These are the “critically impacted” areas along with the total number of cases reported in 2019 as of July 27:
While the problem areas appear to be centered around Central Florida, all but 12 of Florida’s 67 counties had reported some cases in 2019 as of July 27. That includes heavily populated counties in South Florida like Miami-Dade with 27 cases; Broward with 12 and Palm Beach with 42 cases. Monroe County, which includes Key West, did not report any cases.
Sarasota County reported 35 cases while Polk County reported 24 cases but neither were on the list of the “critically impacted” areas. Orange County, which includes Orlando, reported 140 cases.
A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health told Patch that the determination of “critically impacted” areas was based on a ratio of 10 cases per 100,000 people.
The following is the breakdown of 2019 cases by county as of July 27:
People at risk include those who are:
Health officials said a person can have hepatitis A for up two weeks without feeling sick but during that time can spread the virus to others. Symptoms usually start two to six weeks after infection and last less than two months. They include:
Health officials said that the vaccine and handwashing can stop the spread of the disease though officials cautioned against relying on hand sanitizers.
For more information on the vaccine call your county health department (CHD). The vaccine may be available for free or at a reduced cost.
“Wash your hands after you use the bathroom — alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill hepatitis A germs,” advised health officials. “Use soap and warm, running water and wash for at least 20 seconds. Wash before you prepare food or work with food that isn’t already packaged. Wash after you use the bathroom; touch people or public surfaces; change a diaper; cough, sneeze or use a tissue; use tobacco; and eat or drink.”
For more information on hepatitis A, visit the Florida Department of Health website to find general information, frequently asked questions and surveillance data as well as fact sheets for the general public, health care providers and food service workers.
For questions about Hepatitis A, health officials have set up a dedicated email address: [email protected] and information line: 844-CALL-DOH (1-844-225-5364), available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.