Hepatitis A cases decline in Florida, but still higher than expected

Florida had a reported 1,009 hepatitis A cases in 2020, a major decrease from 2019, but significantly more than in most years, according to information posted on the state Department of Health website.

Florida totaled 3,405 hepatitis A cases in 2019, when Surgeon General Scott Rivkees declared a public health emergency.

Florida had 123 cases in 2015, 122 cases in 2016, 276 cases in 2017 and 548 cases in 2018, according to the Department of Health.

Hepatitis A can cause liver damage and is spread through such things as fecal matter, sexual contact and intravenous drug use.