The Florida Department of Health says the number of hepatitis A cases in Florida are on the rise. 51 cases were reported last week, bringing the total number of cases this year to 3,079. Duval County had the largest number of newly reported cases last week with six, followed by Citrus County with four. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver and can cause death. It is spread through such things as food or drinks that have been contaminated with fecal matter from people with hepatitis A or from close contact with infected people. State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees stressed the importance of vaccinations in the state’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus.