Idaho health departments warn of hepatitis A case
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:57 AM PDT
BOISE — The Central Health District in Boise is advising that anyone who ate or had a drink at the Red Feather Lounge, 246 N. Eighth, Boise, between March 5 and March 17, may have been exposed to hepatitis A after the agency confirmed an employee was diagnosed with the disease.
While the risk to the public is low, lounge patrons possibly could have been exposed, David Fotsch, public information officer for the Central District Health Department, said in an announcement released Tuesday. Central and Southwest District health departments are recommending people not immune to hepatitis A who had food or a drink at the Red Feather Lounge during the specified dates receive hepatitis A vaccines or immune globulin immediately. They should also contact their health provider if they are showing any symptoms of hepatitis, Fotsch said.
Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, nausea, dark urine and fatigue.
“It happens occasionally and spreads by eating or drinking food items that have been contaminated by someone who hasn’t properly washed their hands after using the bathroom,” Laurie Boston, Southwest District Health public information officer, said. It can also be contracted in countries with poor sanitation. she said,
“We have a vaccine for those 12 months to 40 years (old),” she said.
For those allergic to the vaccine there is immune globulin, she said.
Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent hepatitis A, and outbreaks are relatively uncommon in the United States, Fotsch said. “The risk of exposure is small but not zero,” he said.
