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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.
Press Releases
January 16, 2019
Flu Season in Hillsborough County
The latest influenza (flu) report for Hillsborough County shows influenza and influenza-like illness activity increasing. So far, there has been no pediatric mortalities in the current flu season in Hillsborough County.
November 30, 2018
Florida Department of Health In Hillsborough County Offering Free Flu Shots The First Week of December
Flu activity will likely increase as family and friends travel and gather for the holidays. The first week of December is National Influenza Vaccination Week and the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is offering free flu shots December 3 – 7, at our Sulphur Springs Health Center location.Eligible children can always receive no cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program. Adults 19 to 64 usually pay $32 and those older than 64 pay $60 for a high-dose vaccine. Those who want the flu vaccine for free are encouraged to get it while there is no charge. Supplies are limited.
November 29, 2018
World AIDS Day - Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County Offering Free HIV, STD Screening; Flu and Hep A Shots Saturday
World AIDS Day is this Saturday, December 1, and between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County will offer free HIV and STD testing. Free flu and hepatitis A shots will also be offered.
November 05, 2018
More Than 600 Receive Hep A Vaccine Following Hamburger Mary’s Incident
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) administered 620 hepatitis A vaccines following the Hamburger Mary’s Ybor City incident. The vaccine was free for those who ate or drank between October 4 – 20, at the Hamburger Mary’s Ybor City. Additionally, the 24-hour hotline received more than 400 calls. So far, there have been no Hepatitis A cases linked to the Hamburger Mary’s incident. The vaccine was offered by DOH-Hillsborough to prevent those who may have been exposed to hepatitis A from getting sick. However, to prevent illness, the vaccine must be administered within two weeks of exposure. That time has now expired for those impacted by the Hamburger Mary’s Ybor City incident. Anyone who develops hepatitis A symptoms should visit a healthcare provider immediately. DOH-Hillsborough continues to encourage all healthcare providers, including hospital emergency departments to stay on high alert and immediately report cases to the Florida Department of Health.
This Friday, November 2, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) will discontinue offering the free hepatitis A vaccine to those who ate or drank between October 4 – 20, at the Hamburger Mary’s Ybor City.
October 25, 2018
DOH-Hillsborough Identifies Case Of Hepatitis A in Food Service Worker; Encourages Vaccination
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has identified a positive case of hepatitis A in a food service worker in Ybor City. Following lab confirmation on Monday, October 22, DOH-Hillsborough immediately began conducting an epidemiological investigation and today determined the individual worked at Hamburger Mary’s Bar and Grille located at 1800 East 8th Avenue in Tampa between October 4 – 20.
October 25, 2018
Health Advisory LIFTED - Ben T. Davis and Davis Island Beaches
Tampa, Florida – The advisory that was issued October 18, for Ben T. Davis and Davis Island beaches has been lifted. Follow-up testing was satisfactory based on the marine water bacterial indicator results as recommended by the EPA.
October 18, 2018
Health Advisory - Ben T Davis and Davis Island Beaches
Tampa, Florida – A Health Advisory has been issued for Ben T Davis and Davis Island beaches based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Tampa, Florida – A Health Advisory has been issued for Ben T Davis, Cypress Point, and Picnic Island beaches based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
September 17, 2018
Infant Mortality Awareness in Hillsborough County
Tampa, Florida – September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month and the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (FDOH-Hillsborough) wants to highlight facts you may not know. Black infants in Hillsborough County are more than three times more likely to die during their first year of life, when compared to white infants.
September 12, 2018
Free Diabetes Prevention Program Starts Soon
A diabetes prevention program to help those who would like to reduce the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes is being offered. Many places charge for this program, but the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Hillsborough County is offering the National Diabetes Prevention program for free to help combat the growing health threat of obesity.
September 07, 2018
Health Advisory - Ben T Davis Beach
Tampa, Florida – A Health Advisory has been issued for Ben T Davis beach based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
August 31, 2018
Health Advisory - Cypress Point Beach
Tampa, Florida – A Health Advisory has been issued for Cypress Point beach based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
August 28, 2018
Rabid Cat Attacks Man in Gibsonton
A rabies alert has been issued by the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough), following confirmation that a brown and black tabby, domestic shorthair cat was rabid. The cat attacked a man near Nundy Avenue in Gibsonton (zip code: 33534).
August 24, 2018
Several Exposed to Rabid Stray Cat on Knollwood Street
A rabies alert has been issued by the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (FDOH-Hillsborough), following confirmation that a stray cat was rabid. The cat was located near the 4500 block of W Knollwood Street in Tampa (33614).
Tampa, Florida – The advisory that was issued for Ben T Davis, Picnic Island and Simmonds Park Beaches has been lifted. Follow-up testing was satisfactory based on the marine water bacterial indicator results as recommended by the EPA.
August 15, 2018
Beat the Back to School Germs
Tampa, Fla. – Most schools in Hillsborough County are back in session and that means students, parents, teachers, and many others are going to be exposed to more germs. As everyone is adjusting to the new schedule, getting sick may cause unnecessary hardships and may be avoided by proper handwashing.
Tampa, Florida – A Health Advisory has been issued for Ben T Davis, Picnic Island and Simmonds Park beaches based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
August 01, 2018
Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County Applauds School District's Lead Testing Efforts
Tampa, Fla. – Students, faculty, and visitors to Hillsborough County Public Schools are safer, thanks to a voluntary effort to test water in all schools for lead. Since last year, the school district carried out tests at approximately 1,800 faucets, drinking fountains, and fixtures where water is likely to be used for drinking or cooking in more than 50 schools and district sites.
July 31, 2018
Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week
Tampa, Fla. – World Breastfeeding Week is August 1 – 7 and the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough), would like to encourage and help new mothers with breastfeeding. Breast milk alone is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months after birth.
Tampa, Florida – The advisory that was issued for Cypress Point and Davis Island beaches has been lifted. Follow-up testing was satisfactory based on the marine water bacterial indicator results as recommended by the EPA.
Tampa, Florida – Healthy Hillsborough Collaborative has awarded the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS) with a $100,000 grant to focus on improving behavioral health. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, BayCare Health System and Tampa General Hospital shared the cost for the grant.
July 26, 2018
Health Advisory - Davis Island & Picnic Island Beaches
Tampa, Florida – A Health Advisory has been issued for Davis Island and Picnic Island beaches based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
July 16, 2018
Back 2 School Health Fairs in Hillsborough County
A cat that lived around North Dort Street and Rowena Mays Park in the Plant City area of Hillsborough County tested positive for rabies. Preliminary investigations revealed a white and brown tabby domestic shorthair cat exposed at least one male adult. Additionally, two domestic dogs were exposed. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) is attempting to locate anyone who may have been exposed.
A neighborhood cat that lived around E. Bay Road in the Gibsonton area of Hillsborough County tested positive for rabies. Preliminary investigations revealed the grey tabby domestic shorthair cat exposed at least one adult, one child and one domestic dog.
June 04, 2018
Flood Waters Pose Health Risks
A Health Advisory has been issued for Cypress Point and Davis Island beaches based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the EPA.
June 04, 2018
Hillsborough County Saltwater Beach Monitoring Results
A Health Advisory has been issued for Cypress Point and Davis Island beaches based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the EPA.
Time is running out to register for a free diabetes prevention program. The program is to help those who would like to reduce the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes.
May 14, 2018
Free Diabetes Prevention Program Starts Soon
Those who complete the program can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes by losing five to seven percent of their weight. Groups meet for 26 sessions and work with a Trained Lifestyle Coach. Participants will get to practice skills of healthy eating and physical activity for a sustained healthy lifestyle change.
February 07, 2018
Flu Activity in Hillsborough County Remains High
The number of laboratory confirmed influenza cases reported by Hillsborough County medical providers remains high. Hillsborough County has reported 30 outbreaks during the current influenza season. Nine outbreaks of influenza were reported in child care facilities/school and two in long-term care facilities (LTCF).
January 26, 2018
Flu Remains High and Continues to Increase
Flu activity in Hillsborough County is high and continues to increase. Those who haven’t received a flu shot are encouraged to get one now. “There is no shortage in flu vaccines,” said Senior Human Services Program Manager Jylmarie Lewis. “We have a lot and there are many other places people can go to get a flu shot.”
January 26, 2018
Reduce Diabetes Risk By Participating In Free Prevention Program
A diabetes prevention program to help those who would like to reduce the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes is being offered. Many places charge for this program, but the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Hillsborough County is offering the National Diabetes Prevention program for free to help combat the growing health threat of obesity. Trained lifestyle coaches guide participants to form healthy habits and achieve weight loss.
January 24, 2018
FDOH-Hillsborough Reminds You to Take Precautions This Flu Season
There is widespread flu activity in Hillsborough County. Influenza A (H3) is the strain of flu that is more common this season. This strain is usually associated with more severe illness in young children and adults over the age of 65.
Media Resources
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Local Articles
Flu Season in Hillsborough County
Cypress Point and Davis Island Beaches - Health Advisory Issued Dec 28, 2018
RABID RACCOON ATTACKS DOMESTIC DOG
Picnic Island Beach - Health Advisory Issued 122018
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