They're the main concern for Florida Department of Health officials and the reason the state's surgeon general declared a 'public health emergency' Thursday evening.
The 15 other counties are: Citrus, Glades, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Liberty, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Sumter, Taylor, and Volusia, according to the Florida Department of Health. Friday, Indian River County joined them all in experiencing an 'outbreak' of the virus, which is at least five cases, when health department officials in Vero Beach said a food service worker was diagnosed with the virus and is the county's fifth case.
Rivkees' declaration signals to health care providers the importance of screening and vaccination for the virus throughout the state, health officials said."By doing an emergency now, it really allows us to increase our vaccination activities and increase public awareness," Rivkees said. What can you do to prevent Hep A?Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. The majority of the people who get the virus have flu-like symptoms — such as nausea and fevers — but recover within a week or two.