Hepatitis Prevention Program

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) Hepatitis Prevention Program is responsible for conducting surveillance of viral hepatitis cases reported in Lee County to detect outbreaks and to ensure that control measures are implemented to prevent the spread of infectious hepatitis in our community.

In addition to surveillance, clients seen in Lee County STD clinic are offered hepatitis screening. Nursing staff conducts risk assessments, post-test hepatitis C counseling and referral. To treatment.

Clinical services include:

• Hepatitis testing
• Hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) is offered only to at risk clients.
• Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) are provided only to those considered at high-risk for the virus.

Note: The vaccines and laboratory testing are available for Florida residents 18 years and older.

For information regarding services, please call 239-461-6100.

For Health Care Providers

Healthcare providers are required to report all hepatitis cases to Epidemiology, Disease Control and Immunization Services.

• Timely notification from the provider is important to be able to assess the risk of any close contacts (e.g. household, sexual, food-handler) that may have been exposed to the HAV or HBV during the period of possible transmissibility.
• Hepatitis staff contacts the reporting physician/hospital infection control or medical facility to obtain the necessary information.
• After all the documentation is received, the case is assigned to an investigator for the appropriate follow-up.
• Symptomatic cases (acute HAV or HBV) are priority and are to be interviewed and investigated immediately.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis is offered to all at risk contacts of clients with hepatitis A or B.

 Case Management

Hepatitis staff performs follow-up on those clients who test positive for acute or chronic hepatitis B and/or C.

Four to six weeks after the initial interview is conducted, the hepatitis investigator will make a telephone contact to assess if the client was able to make an appointment with a physician.

In addition, clients are mailed an information packet, which includes: list of local providers, resources, educational brochures, and clinical studies..

Community Outreach and Education

Hepatitis staff participates in health fairs and other activities with local partners in an effort to increase awareness of hepatitis, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases of public health importance to the general public.