According to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health, 1,359 hepatitis A cases have been reported from the beginning of 2018 through April 13, 2019.
Image/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
The number of reported hepatitis A cases more than doubled from 2016 to 2017 and nearly doubled again in 2018 after remaining relatively stable in previous years. Case counts in 2019 have already surpassed those in 2018.
Nine out of 10 outbreak cases were acquired in Florida.
Counties hardest hit by this outbreak include Pinellas (300), Pasco (230), Orange (170) and Hillsborough (153).
Eight deaths have been reported in this outbreak.
The Florida Department of Health is actively working to vaccinate those most at risk for hepatitis A infection. People most at risk include the homeless and injection or non-injection drug users.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A infection.
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