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Health department officials in Tampa Bay are encouraging residents to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, which is on the rise.
As of this week, 58 cases of the virus were reported at Pinellas this year, including 10 cases from September to October. Last year, Pinellas reported no cases. In 2016, there were only two and in 2015, only four.
Hillsborough County has reported 36 cases of hepatitis A since the beginning of the year, up from 10 last year and five in 2015 and 2016.
Most cases involve young or middle-aged Caucasian men, said Kevin Watler, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Health Department. About half of these patients report having used drugs, he said.
But cases are spread throughout the county and some patients have had other high-risk exposures. Some, for example, have already been imprisoned or traveled abroad.
More than 180 cases have been reported throughout the state so far this year. Health officials said other parts of Florida, as well as other states, were experiencing similar outbreaks.
"We are on track to report the highest number of cases of hepatitis A since 2005," said Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Health Department in Pinellas County.
Hepatitis A is spread from person to person by faeces contaminated with the virus. Good hygiene is essential to protect against hepatitis A, health officials said. Symptoms include fever, dark urine, yellowish skin or eyes, fatigue, and stomach problems. This can cause liver damage, especially in those who already have liver disease.
FOR YOUR HEALTH: Keep track of trends and new developments that concern you. Visit the Times Health Page.
In addition to the vaccine, washing hands after a washroom visit and after diaper changes reduces the risk of contamination. But vaccination is the best protection against the virus.
The Department of Health offers free two-dose vaccination against hepatitis A to adults and children. The usual cost of $ 70.66 for adults is removed at this time.
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