The number of hepatitis A cases in Volusia County has almost quadrupled since May, a skyrocketing trend that is impacting the entire state, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The most recent data shows Volusia County has the fourth highest number of cases in the state with 128, falling behind Orange County with 129, Pinellas County with 287 and Pasco County with 314.
Statewide there are 1,636 cases — nearly three times the number of cases reported in 2018.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can range from a mild illness that lasts a few weeks to a severe illness that can last months. Although rare, some people can die from the infection, mostly people ages 50 and older or people with other liver diseases, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Common symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, diarrhea, clay-colored stools, joint pain and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes. According to the CDC, most children younger than 6 will not have symptoms, but can pass the infection to others. Symptoms usually begin four weeks after exposure and develop over several days.
According to the state department of health, hepatitis A can be spread through things such as food or drinks that have been contaminated with fecal matter from people with the disease. Hepatitis B and C, which are chronic infections, are passed through blood.
The infection can also be obtained by traveling to countries with high rates of hepatitis A, according to the CDC.
When The News-Journal reported on the growing number of hepatitis A cases in May, local department of health spokeswoman Holly Smith said many of the cases in Volusia County came from three high-risk groups: drug users, the homeless, and people who recently have been or are incarcerated.
[READ MORE: Hepatitis A on the rise in Central Florida]
Health officials say the best line of defense against hepatitis A, aside from frequent hand-washing, is to get a vaccination. The vaccination is given as two shots six months apart, and is available through the department of health at no cost to those in the three high-risk groups. For others, the cost of the shot without insurance is $62.50. If a person demonstrates a financial need, the vaccine is provided on a sliding scale, Smith said.
The vaccine is recommended for adolescents by the CDC and the state department of health, but it is not a required shot for entry into Florida schools, according to the department of health's website. However, hepatitis B is a required immunization.
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