Hepatitis A Health
Advisory
[Posted 8/31/07]
On
August 26, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
circulated a health advisory regarding a food
service worker diagnosed with hepatitis A who had
prepared and served food and drink at a California
store and a tradeshow. Attendees at the tradeshow
were from multiple states. The CDC concluded the
risk to public health was small because the food
service worker had likely followed good hygiene and
food safety practices. However, the CDC urged anyone
who was exposed and was experiencing symptoms (see
below) to promptly contact her/his healthcare
provider.
The CDC describes hepatitis A as “a liver disease
caused by the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms usually
occur abruptly and include fatigue, abdominal pain,
loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the
skin or eyes), and diarrhea. Symptoms usually last
less than two months; but some people may be ill for
as long as six months. The average time from
exposure to symptoms is 28 days, but can range from
15–50 days.” Resources on hepatitis A and other
viral hepatitis diseases are available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis.
This health advisory from the CDC underscores the
need for healthcare providers and employers to
understand foodborne diseases and to minimize risks
in the workplace and to food patrons. The upcoming
issue of the Occupational Health Tracker
features an article
Food Workers and Food Safety
that provides details on infectious agents,
contamination risks, and incidence rates.
Related Links:
CDC Health Advisory
CDC Viral Hepatitis Site
Occupational Health Tracker Article
(PDF 470KB)
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