Public Health | Seeko

Hepatitis A breakout in Tampa Bay Area

Andy Duclos — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 17:51:03 +0000

What is Hepatitis A?

It’s a virus that attacks your liver that is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Most people that are getting infected are coming from people who are eating at restaurants within the Tampa Bay area.

How to avoid contact?
Strict isolation is not necessary, but hand washing after bowel movements is required. Thorough hand washing by anyone who may contact contaminated utensils, bedding, or clothing is essential.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Abdominal pain with vomiting are frequent and diarrhea or constipation may occur. Other associated symptoms are fever, muscle pain, muscle fatigue, and joint pain. Contact Seeko Health or your primary care doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. In an emergency, please call 911.

Does Hepatitis A cause chronic liver disease?
Generally, clinical recovery is complete in 9 weeks. Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease, though it may persist for up to 1 year. The mortality rate is <1%, with a higher rate in the older adults than in younger persons.

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