UPDATE: Second couple living in the same street as the couple that died from complications of hepatitis A told WPTV that they have also been diagnosed with the virus.
A second couple living on the same street as the couple that died from #hepatitisA has also been diagnosed with the virus. They’re deeply concerned and want to know how they contracted this. Hear their story at 11 on @WPTV pic.twitter.com/UXI7LciWno
— Meghan McRoberts (@MeghanWPTV) April 4, 2019
RELATED: More hepatitis A cases uncovered on same Palm City street in Martin Co.
EARLIER STORY:
A couple found dead in their Palm City home last week died from natural causes as result of complications from hepatitis A, according to the District 19 Medical Examiner.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office initially investigated the deaths of 62-year old Jeffrey and Nancy Kirsch of Palm City and detectives determined that no foul play contributed to their deaths.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC says hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person.
Most people who get hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks, but usually recover and do not have lasting liver damage, according to government health experts.
You can prevent hepatitis A by practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated, according to the health department. It says a vaccine is available through private healthcare providers.