Florida now has nearly 2,000 cases of hepatitis A in 2019

PHOTO VIA ADOBE IMAGESThe number of cases of hepatitis A in Florida this year has reached at least 1,978, according to the latest information published by the Florida Department of Health.

The state recorded 77 cases of hepatitis A between 14 and Saturday and, according to the latest report from the department, "the number of weekly cases has steadily increased overall" since last year.

Only Florida residents are included in the number of cases published by the state. The data includes suspected and confirmed cases. According to a monthly report, Central Florida is experiencing the highest level of activity in Hepatitis A.

The virus is pbaded from person to person through feces. This may include some types of badual contact and people who do not wash their hands well after going to the bathroom or changing their diapers. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through food or water contaminated with faeces.

Infections with hepatitis A can cause liver damage and be serious, leading to hospitalization in hospital and sometimes to death. Since January 1, 2018, Florida has recorded 2,526 cases, including at least 28 virus-related deaths, according to the state.

On July 3, the Department of Health announced its partnership with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the epidemic.

The health departments of Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Mbadachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia and Utah have also collaborated with the federal government to eliminate outbreaks.

The state's former Surgeon General, Celeste Philip, issued a public health advisory on November 28 encouraging people to get vaccinated against the virus.

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