The number of outbreak cases of hepatitis A in the month of December so far has surpassed what was reported in November, with 226 and 202 cases, respectively.
There were 63 hepatitis A cases reported the week ending Dec. 28, bringing the outbreak total to 3395 for 2019 and 3943 cases since the outbreak began in 2018.
In addition, 56 hepatitis A deaths have been reported in the state through Nov. 2019, the second most in the country, following only Kentucky.
In 2019, while Pasco and Pinellas counties have reported the most cases, the case count has slowed in the Bay area while counties in other parts of the state have increased.
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The following groups are at highest risk for acquiring hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection or developing serious complications from HAV infection and should be offered the hepatitis A vaccine to prevent or control an outbreak:
- People who use drugs (injection or non-injection)
- People experiencing unstable housing or homelessness
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- People who are, or were recently, incarcerated
- People with chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C