Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov

407-858-1418

ORLANDO, FL – World Hepatitis Day is July 28, 2021 and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County seeks to increase the awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis as a major global health threat.

In 2019, there was a hepatitis A outbreak in Orange County, so the intent of this annual event is to inform the public on the different types of viral hepatitis that can cause inflammation of the liver and result in lifelong, chronic infections.

The World Health Organization and the Centers for Diseases and estimates that globally in 2015, approximately 325 million persons were infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus. Among the estimated 257 million persons infected with HBV in 2015, nearly 900,000 died, primarily as a result of complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States. Symptoms of hepatitis, if they are present, include nausea, fever, weakness, loss of appetite and jaundice. Hepatitis A is transmitted by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with human waste (feces). Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis C is usually spread through contact with blood containing the virus. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C (HCV). 

The goal of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County Hepatitis Prevention and Control Program is to reduce hepatitis cases among residents and visitors of Orange County. The program provides free Hepatitis vaccines and testing for high risk populations. In addition, it provides education, screening, counseling, and follow-up referrals.  For more information on the Department’s Hepatitis Prevention Program or schedule an appointment, please call 407-723-5054.

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.