PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County is offering free hepatitis A vaccinations after a food service worker was diagnosed with the disease in Madeira Beach.
Health officials say the person worked at the Friendly Fisherman located at 150 John's Pass Boardwalk Place between May 7-20 while infectious. Officials are encouraging anyone who may have visited the restaurant during that time to get vaccinated.
DOH-Pinellas is offering hepatitis A vaccinations Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:
- 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N in St. Pete
- 6350 76th Ave. N Mid-County in Pinellas Park
- 8751 Ulmerton Rd in Largo
- 310 N. Myrtle Ave in Clearwater
- 301 S. Disston Ave in Tarpon Springs
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. Symptoms of hepatitis A include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, diarrhea, pale white stools, and yellow skin and eyes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention right away.
People infected with hepatitis A are most contagious from two weeks before onset of symptoms to one week afterward. Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms. Symptoms usually start within 28 days of exposure to the virus with a range of 15-50 days.
Anyone with questions about hepatitis A can call the DOH hotline at 727-824-6932.
How to Prevent Hepatitis A?
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
- Vaccination is the best method of preventing infection
- Once infected, you become immune for the rest of your life