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The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) invites healthcare providers to the Know Hepatitis: Understanding An Epidemic presentation on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 from 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the Fish Bones Restaurant located at 7005 CR 46A Lake Mary, Florida 32746. Join guest speaker Dr. Jason Wilson for a special presentation reviewing local trends in hepatitis. Dr. Wilson is a current attending emergency health physician and associate facility medical director for TeamHealth at Tampa General Hospital and serves as the research director for the USF emergency medicine residency program. To reserve a seat please call (407) 665-3027 or e-mail Jesse.Johnson@flhealth.gov.

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Although anyone can get hepatitis A, some people are at higher risk; such as, people with direct contact with someone who has hepatitis A, men who have sexual contact with men, people who use drugs, and people who are experiencing homelessness. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is collaborating closely with community partners to raise hepatitis A awareness and encourage vaccination. Free hepatitis A vaccinations are being offered to high-risk individuals at different sites throughout the county and are also available through the Hepatitis Prevention Program at DOH-Seminole. Please call the health department at 407-665-3243 to see if you qualify for free vaccine. The upcoming hepatitis A vaccine events are:

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• Tuesday, April 2nd & April 9th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Christian Sharing Center, Inc. located at 600 N. US Highway 17-92, Suite 158, Longwood, FL 32750
• Wednesday, April 3rd, 10th & 17th from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Grace and Grits located at First United Methodist Church 419 S. Park Ave. Sanford, FL 32771
• Thursday, April 18th from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Shepherd's Hope Health Center located at 600 N. US Highway 17-92, Suite 124, Longwood, FL 32750

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"Education and up to date information are key components in reducing hepatitis A cases, and the Know Hepatitis presentation will allow healthcare and medical providers to receive the latest information on hepatitis A in Seminole County. We continue collaborating with community partners to reduce hepatitis A cases and make hepatitis A vaccine accessible to those who may need it the most," said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

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Hepatitis A infection is a vaccine-preventable illness. The primary mode of hepatitis A virus transmission in the United States is typically person-to-person through the fecal-oral route. The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. Additionally, practicing good hand hygiene--including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food--plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.

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What is Hepatitis A?

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Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. People infected with hepatitis A are most contagious from two weeks before onset of symptoms to one week afterwards. Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms. Symptoms usually start within 28 days of exposure to the virus with a range of 15-50 days. Symptoms can include:

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• Jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes)

• Fever

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue/tired

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Dark-colored urine

• Pale or clay colored stool

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How is hepatitis A treated or hepatitis A infection prevented?

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• Hepatitis A vaccine is the best method of preventing infection.

• No medicines can cure the disease once symptoms appear. People with hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

• Most people get better over time but may need to be hospitalized.

• Previous infection with hepatitis A provides immunity for the rest of a person's life.

• People that are exposed to hepatitis A may be given vaccine or immune globulin within 14 days of exposure to prevent infection.

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Health care providers are reminded to immediately report all cases of hepatitis A to their local county health department to ensure a prompt public health response to prevent disease among close contacts.

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For more information and to learn more about hepatitis visit www.seminolecohealth.com.