Emerging Trends in Public Health
Sharing Session - 30 Minutes
Alvina Chu, MHS
Epidemiology Program Manager
Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Following the release of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory regarding hepatitis A outbreaks in multiple states among high-risk groups, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) began implementing response efforts to similar local increases in cases. Year to date (YTD), non-travel-associated hepatitis A cases increased by almost 5,000% from the previous five-year average of 1.4. Response efforts required great changes in practices within the DOH-Orange Epidemiology Program. New relationships with stakeholders and community partners were necessary to plan and implement effective response and prevention strategies that focus on communities with priority groups. As of Nov. 19, 2018, DOH-Orange conducted 137 hepatitis A vaccine outreach events, and DOH-Orange hepatitis A vaccine administration increased 4,800% from 2017 to 2018. Through the analysis of these methods, practical application recommendations include instigating collaboration with community partners early and focusing on the timeliness and scope of impact of response and prevention programs.