DeLand, FL - Reported cases of Hepatitis A continue to rise in Florida and in Volusia County. The number of reported Hepatitis A cases in Volusia County now stands at 232. On June 29, that number was 141. Only two counties, both on the west coast of Florida have more cases.
The state of Florida shows that 2,540 cases have been reported since January 1 of this year. The total cases reported in 2018 was 548 so the drastic increase in Hepatitis A cases is serious.
Dr. Holly Smith, Communications Manager for the Volusia County Health Department spoke at the Volusia County Council meeting earlier this week. She gave members a high-level overview of Hepatitis A specific to Volusia County.
Normally in Volusia County, a handful of Hepatitis A cases are reported annually. Smith said the number is usually 2 or 3 and a high year would have 5 to 7 cases. Those cases are usually in the same household. Smith gave an example of the increases: during the first six months of 2018, no cases were reported. In the second half of the year, five cases were reported and they were not in the same household. This year, the number has reached 232 as of September 15.
Smith said a major outbreak that took place in California lasted two years. She pointed out that the numbers may vary from month to month and even week to week but she believes that we are not on the backside of the outbreak yet.
Smith said the disease is easily transmitted by the fecal-oral method and washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds will go along way toward preventing the disease. She said not washing your hands properly is the easiest way to spread Hepatitis A.
Smith said there seem to be three main groups of people contracting Hepatitis A. They are people who use street drugs, i-v or otherwise, people who are currently or recently homeless and people that have been incarcerated. Hepatitis A symptoms include what feels like a really bad stomach flu such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, and fever. A telltale sign is liver jaundice which is where your skin and eyes turn yellow. Smith warns though, that everyone does not exhibit all symptoms and some people don’t show any signs.
The vaccination is given as two shots six months apart and is available through the department of health at no cost to those in the three high-risk groups. For others, the cost of the shot without insurance is $62.50. If a person demonstrates financial need, the vaccine is provided on a sliding scale.
For more information on the Florida Hepatitis A outbreak, visit the Department of Health's website.
