ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health is urging residents to get vaccinated for hepatitis A as officials deal with a significant uptick in reported infections.
On Wednesday, officials said 385 cases of hepatitis A virus infection have been reported in Florida since January, primarily in the Tampa Bay and Orlando metropolitan areas. That number is three times higher than the five-year average of 126 cases.
Recently, a food service worker at the Morimoto Asia restaurant, located at Disney Springs, was diagnosed with hepatitis A, prompting the DOH to issue a warning to diners.
Certain people are more at risk for infection than others but anyone can get a vaccine just in case. People at increased risk include:
•   All children at age 1 yearÂ
•   People who are experiencing homelessnessÂ
•   Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or notÂ
•   Men who have sexual encounters with other menÂ
•   People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis AÂ
•   Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is commonÂ
•   People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis CÂ
•   People with clotting-factor disordersÂ
•   Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common
The disease is most commonly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, officials said. Symptoms include:
•   Jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes)Â
•   FeverÂ
•   DiarrheaÂ
•   Fatigue
•   Loss of appetiteÂ
•   Nausea and vomitingÂ
•   Stomach painÂ
•   Dark-colored urineÂ
•   Pale or clay-colored stoolÂ
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, incurable disease that attacks the liver. Anyone experiencing symptoms or who believes they might have been exposed should contact a medical provider immediately.
For more information about hepatitis A cases in Florida, click here.