Broward County Now Considered 'High Risk' For Hepatitis A
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Broward is the latest county in the state to be considered high risk for Hepatitis A.
The county's health department confirmed seven cases of adults with Hepatitis A since the start of the year, according to The Sun-Sentinel.
The outbreak threshold is five cases.
SEE ALSO: CONCERNED ABOUT HEPATITIS A? HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Wednesday, Palm Beach and Martin counties confirmed they too had reached the outbreak level. Palm Beach County health officials said they've had six confirmed cases since the beginning of the year while Martin County had 16 cases, the highest total in five years.
The deaths of Martin County couple Jeffrey and Nancy Kirsch two weeks ago from virus complications has put a spotlight on the outbreak.
Family members are in shock.
"They were sick, but they thought they had the flu. They were trying to get better. They didn't know they had this," said Ned Kirsch, a family member.
While officials from the Health Department cannot comment on the Kirsch investigation or the other ongoing cases, they say Martin County is working with regional and state officials to find the source
"People need to know what they can do to protect themselves," said Martin County Health Department spokeswoman Renay Rouse. "You know good hand washing, and hygiene, of course getting that vaccination."
Doctors say the strongest recommendations for vaccinations are for those who are traveling to endemic areas or those in third world countries.
The Kirsch family hopes the Health Department does its best to find the source.
"Our family is trying to wrap our head around it," said Ned Kirch. "I would hope the health department is putting every resource they have into this right now for the people of the community there."
There have been 690 cases in the state through the end of March.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection. It spreads when someone ingests the virus from objects, food or drinks contaminated by fecal matter of an infected person.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A in adults include fatigue, stomach pain, low appetite, and jaundice, which usually resolve within two months of infection. Children under six 6 years old may not show signs of symptoms.
You should get tested for Hepatitis A:
- If you've been told you have Hepatitis or an abnormal liver enzyme test
- If you ever injected or snorted illegal/street/recreational drugs
- If you ever shared equipment/works (needles, syringes, straws, water, etc.)
- Received a blood transfusion or an organ transplant prior to 1992
- Had clotting factor concentrates before 1987
- Ever received kidney dialysis
- Ever had direct contact with the blood of another person
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County Hepatitis Prevention Program offers free hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines, as well as hepatitis B and C testing, for adults at increased risk for hepatitis infection.
