Pinellas Seeing Highest Number Of Hepatitis A Cases In 13 Years

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL -- With 58 cases reported in Pinellas County and more than 180 reported statewide, the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County is recommending vaccinations to combat a rise in hepatitis A.

"We are on track to report the highest number of hepatitis A cases since 2005," said DOH-Pinellas Director Dr. Ulyee Choe. "We have enhanced our public health efforts in encouraging prevention to reduce new cases, but those at risk need to know that there's an effective vaccine that protects them from this disease."

As part of its public health mission, DOH-Pinellas is offering the two-dose hepatitis A vaccine at no cost to adults and children. The usual $70.66 cost for adults is being waived. Vaccines are always provided at no cost to children and teens through the age of 18.

No appointments are needed to get the vaccine at these centers:

* St. Petersburg: 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.

* Pinellas Park: 6350 76th Ave. N.

* Mid-County (Largo): 8751 Ulmerton Road.

* Clearwater: 310 N. Myrtle Ave.

* Tarpon Springs: 301 S. Disston Ave.

Hepatitis A is spread person-to-person via feces contaminated with its virus. For example, food prepared by an infected person who doesn't practice proper hygiene in hand washing could sicken others.

Symptoms include fever, dark urine, yellow-tinged skin or eyes, fatigue and gastric issues. It causes damage to the liver, especially among those who already have liver disease.

Good hygiene to prevent the spread of hepatitis A includes washing hands well after a bathroom visit and after changing diapers.

For more information, click here.

Image via Shutterstock

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