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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Disease Control and Prevention

Florida Department of Health in Flagler County Epidemiology

  • HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, short-term liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Getting vaccinated and practicing good hand hygiene are the best ways to protect against hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A is caused by a contagious virus that infects the liver—it can lead to serious liver problems. The virus spreads through the feces of people who have the virus. If a person with the virus doesn’t wash their hands after going to the bathroom, feces can get on their hands and can transfer to objects, food, and drinks. When these things are shared, other people can unknowingly swallow the virus. If a person who has the virus comes in close contact or touches other people—this includes sex—the virus can also spread.

To schedule an appointment for a hepatitis A vaccination at the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County, call 407-343-2000.

To lean more about hepatitis A, visit VEST | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov)

 

Hepatitis-A Fact Sheet 

  • MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE

Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness that is caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-ning-goh-KOK-us]. These illnesses are often severe and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).

Meningococcus bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). Meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease.

To schedule an appointment for a meningococcal vaccination at the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County, call 386-437-7350 Ext-7101.

To learn more about meningococcal disease, visit Meningococcal Disease | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov)

Meningococcal Outbreak Fact Sheet

  • MONKEYPOX

Testing and vaccination is being offered specific to screening and by appointment only

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus that occurs mostly in central and western Africa but also occurs in other parts of the world. The monkeypox virus can transmit from animals to humans. These animals include different African rodents and monkeys. Once a person becomes infected with the monkeypox virus, they can pass it to other people. Monkeypox is not a very contagious disease, and the risk for contracting monkeypox is generally low. Recently there has been an increase in human monkeypox infections in different parts of the world, including the US.

Monkeypox typically begins with flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, headache, tiredness, muscle aches) and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Duration of illness is usually 2 to 4 weeks.

Human-to-human transmission generally requires prolonged, face-to-face contact, direct contact with an active rash, or indirect contact with an active rash through contaminated items, such as contaminated clothing. Therefore, the risk of exposure remains low.

If you have a new or unexplained rash, sores, or other symptoms, see your healthcare provider.

To learn more about monkeypox, visit Monkeypox | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov)

MonkeyPox Info Sheet

MonkeyPox and Safe Sex (Spanish)

Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement

Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement (Spanish)

What You Need to Know about Monkeypox if You are a Teen or Young Adult

Social Gathering, Safer Sex, and Monkeypox

Monkeypox Frequently Asked Questions