February 27, 2006
WEAR-TV (Florida)
Rumors of a Hepatitis-A outbreak at a local elementary school have parents on alert.
The principal at Berryhill Elementary sent out a letter on Friday telling parents about the rumors.
However, both the Santa Rosa Health Department and the school district say there has not been a confirmed case of Hepatitis-A and there is no indication that an outbreak exists.
Hepatitis is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver and is usually transmitted by sharing food or not washing hands.

“It causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle soreness and when it progresses it can cause jaundice, which includes yellowish skin and yellow eyes,” said Santa Rosa Health Department Director Dr. Kathleen DeVoreJones.
The State of Florida just added Hepatitis-A to its list of recommended immunizations for children and in a few weeks will begin administering free shots to eligible children.
For more information on the shots call your local health department.