More help coming for Hep A in Martin County
Martin County, Fl- More help is coming to the Treasure Coast as Hepatitis A concerns continue in Martin County. Currently, the county has 30 confirmed cases since January and 4 deaths since the spring, according to the Florida Department of Health. State Representative Toby Overdorf announced Wednesday that the State Surgeon General, Dr. Scott Rivkees, visited Martin County for the first time since he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez was also here, joining Dr. Rivkees for a roundtable discussion with Overdorf, Representative MaryLynn Magar, and State Senator Gayle Harrell.
During the meeting, Overdorf said Dr. Rivkees laid out his plan to get Hepatitis A under control in the state, calling it a top priority. The plan includes securing a partnership with the CDC to come to the state, including the Treasure Coast, in the very near future. MaryLynn Magar said that bringing in Dr. Rivkees and the CDC will be a big improvement.
Overdorf said the Florida Department of Health in Martin County has also agreed to bring in a detective from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office to assist with any investigative needs. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office will be selecting two people to assist the health department, including a detective and a Community Oriented Policing Deputy. They plan to announce their names today.
