Hepatitis A Critically Impacts Martin County
Get Tested for Hepatitis A and Get Vaccinated!
After 56 new cases of Hepatitis A were reported statewide in the week since the last reporting period, the Florida Surgeon General has declared a public health emergency. This emergency allows health officials to test and treat those suspected of carrying the virus. “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,” Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees said. “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.”
See Surgeon General Video of Announcement here: https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/health-care/article208789154.html
The number of reported Hepatitis A cases in Florida in 2019 rose to 2,034 as of July 27, up from the 1,978 cases reported on July 20, the Florida Department of Health said.
Help Protect and Care for Those At Risk:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, groups who are most at risk include:
▪ People over 60 years old
▪ People with chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
▪ People with compromised immune systems, including people with HIV or AIDS
Symptoms can include yellowing skin, fever, diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis A is “usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or consumption of contaminated food or water.”
To read more about the Martin County Public Health Emergency for Hepatitis A, CLICK HERE
Source: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article233419627.html
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