The Pinellas Health Department recommends that those who were possibly exposed get vaccinated if they have not previously done so.

ST. PETE BEACH – The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has identified a positive case of hepatitis A in a food service worker in St. Pete Beach.

After lab confirmation on Wednesday (Nov. 1), DOH-Pinellas immediately began conducting an epidemiological investigation and today (Nov. 5) determined the individual worked at Toasted Monkey, 6110 Gulf Blvd., between Oct. 17 – 28.

If you frequented this restaurant between Oct.17 – 28, and have not previously been vaccinated for hepatitis A, you should be vaccinated. If you have previously received the hepatitis A vaccine you do not need to take additional action. DOH-Pinellas is offering the vaccine at these locations:

St. Petersburg: 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N
Pinellas Park: 6350 76th Ave. N
Mid-County (Largo): 8751 Ulmerton Road
Clearwater: 310 N Myrtle Ave.
Tarpon Springs: 301 S Disston Ave.

DOH-Pinellas is encouraging all healthcare providers, including hospital emergency departments to stay on high alert and immediately report cases to the Florida Department of Health.

A 24-hour hotline has been set up for people who have questions about Hepatitis A. The number to call is (727) 824-6932.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated for hepatitis A include:

All children at age 1 year
People who are experiencing homelessness
Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
Men who have sexual encounters with other men
People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
People with clotting-factor disorders
Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common

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:

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

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

Go to pinellashealthcom or call (727) 824-6900 for information about DOH-Pinellas.

Health Department | Hepatitis A | Health | Tampabay News

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