Contact:

Tom Iovino, Communications Director

Thomas.Iovino@flhealth.gov

(941) 708-8446

Cell (941) 720-6145

Bradenton, Fla. – The Manatee County Health Department (CHD) has identified a case of Hepatitis A in a food service worker in Holmes Beach. Following laboratory confirmation on July 1, Manatee CHD immediately began conducting an epidemiological investigation and today determined that the individual worked at the Ugly Grouper restaurant located at 5704 Marina Drive while infectious.

If you frequented this restaurant prior to June 22 and have not previously been vaccinated for Hepatitis A, you should consider being vaccinated at your local county health department or primary care physician’s office. You will receive the first dose of the vaccine, with a second dose being administered six months later. If you have previously received the Hepatitis A vaccine, you do not need to take additional action. Manatee CHD is offering the vaccine at their main office – 410 6^th Avenue East in Bradenton – from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Manatee CHD will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, and will resume normal office hours on Friday, July 5.

There will also be two FREE Hepatitis A vaccination events:

• Anna Maria Elementary School, 4700 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach
  • July 5 – 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Manatee County Health Department, 410 6^th Avenue East in Bradenton
  • July 6 – 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Hepatitis A vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Patrons should monitor for symptoms of Hepatitis A infection which include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, fever diarrhea, pale white stools and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

A hotline has been set up for people who have questions about Hepatitis A. The number to call is 941-748-0747, and will be active starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 5.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated include:

• All children at age one 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

How is Hepatitis A treated or Hepatitis A infection prevented?

• 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.

How Hepatitis A is investigated by the Department of Health

After a case of Hepatitis A has been reported to the Health Department by a health care provider, a county health department epidemiologist will interview the individual and collect information regarding the timeline of their past 50 days, including travel, occupation, food history and more. The epidemiologist will then identify all close contacts of the ill person who should receive the Hepatitis A vaccine to prevent any possible spread of the illness. The majority of cases are close contacts of persons who are experiencing homelessness, or persons who use injected or non-injected drugs. Fewer than 5% of cases are food workers, and to date, the Florida Department of Health has not identified a single case of Hepatitis A transmission from a food worker to a restaurant patron.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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