Martin County Health Department Update: Hepatitis A
Martin County officials met this morning for an update on confirmed cases of Hepatitis A in our community.
Currently, Martin County has 15 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A. The cases are under investigation by the Health Department to determine possible modes of transmission of the virus. There have been 1,200 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A statewide. The Florida Department of Health considers a community “high risk” when the confirmed number of cases reaches 5. Martin County reached high risk status with 5 confirmed cases as of Monday, April 1.
What is Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease usually spread person to person through objects, food or drink that are contaminated by small amounts of fecal matter from a person with Hepatitis A.
What should Martin County residents do?
- Seek medical attention if any person experiences symptoms of illness.
- Contact a healthcare provider or primary care physician with questions or concerns. Underlying health problems such as existing liver disease or clotting-factor disorders can make you more likely to get sick from hepatitis A.
- Visit www.martincountyhealth.com for detailed information and printable resources.
- Exercise good hygiene – handwashing for a minimum of 20 seconds, after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.
- Vaccinate. The Hepatitis A vaccine is available in the community via health care providers and local pharmacies. Vaccine supply is arriving daily in the county.
- The Hepatitis A vaccine became part of the standard vaccine series for children in 1995. If parents have questions about their child’s vaccination status, they should contact their child’s pediatrician.
- To ensure adequate access to the vaccine, the Florida Department of Health in Martin County will provide the Hepatitis A vaccine to those who are uninsured or underinsured. For an appointment, call 772-221-4000, then press 2 for Immunizations.
