INSIDER
Hepatitis A outbreak prompts vaccine push in Florida
Read full article: Hepatitis A outbreak prompts vaccine push in FloridaA microscopic image of the Hepatitis A virus, taken by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Tampa Bay area has been hit especially hard by hepatitis A cases this year. The Tampa Bay Times reports that Pinellas health officials were the first in Florida to deploy foot teams into areas where people at risk for hepatitis A tend to gather. Since January 2018, Florida has recorded 3,395 cases of hepatitis A. In the Tampa Bay area, reports of food service workers infecting others at local restaurants have dominated the news coverage about hepatitis A.
Public emergency declared over Hepatitis A outbreak in Florida
Read full article: Public emergency declared over Hepatitis A outbreak in FloridaFlorida's Surgeon General declared a public emergency as the state continues to deal with an outbreak of Hepatitis A. Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
Philadelphia declares health emergency after Hepatitis A surge
Read full article: Philadelphia declares health emergency after Hepatitis A surgeBruce Bennett/Getty Images(CNN) - The Philadelphia Department of Health has declared a public health emergency due to a surge in Hepatitis A, Dr. Thomas A. Farley, Health Commissioner of the City, said Thursday. Preliminary information indicates 67% of people who have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A say they have used drugs, while 26% report homelessness, according to health officials. Southern New Jersey and suburban Pennsylvania counties around Philadelphia are also reporting higher than usual numbers of Hepatitis A among the same at-risk populations, according to the city's health department. The Hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses given at least six months apart for long-lasting protection, according to the CDC. Context for the crisisThe 2017 Hepatitis A epidemic in San Diego County, California, included 592 infections, primarily among the homeless and illegal drug users.
Florida surgeon general declares Hepatitis A public health emergency
Read full article: Florida surgeon general declares Hepatitis A public health emergencyA microscopic image of the Hepatitis A virus, taken by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ORLANDO, Fla. - A public health emergency has been declared in Florida to help deal with a rise in Hepatitis A cases. Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees declared the emergency Thursday to alert the public about the seriousness of the illness and to allow greater testing and treatment. There have been 2,034 cases of Hepatitis A in Florida since the beginning of the year. Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects the liver and it's spread through the feces of those who are infected.