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 year
• People who are experiencing homelessness
• Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
• Men who have sexual encounters with other men
• People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
• Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
• People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• People with clotting-factor disorders
• 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)
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Dark-colored urine
• Pale or clay-colored stool
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.