DHSS Press Release

RESTAURANT WORKERS OFFERED PREVENTIVE TREATMENT AND TESTS FOR HEPATITIS A

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) has identified an active case of hepatitis A in an employee of Bob's Big Boy restaurant at the I-95 rest area. When this occurs, DPH follows standards established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for containing spread of the disease. This includes conducting restaurant site visits, interviewing the identified individual and determining the individual's close contacts.

"Because the identified individual was very conscientious in adhering to hygienic practices, the risk to the general public is very low," said Dr. Maureen Dempsey, DPH Director.

DPH's investigation revealed that the restaurant uses proper sanitation methods and that the identified employee complied with the restaurant's food handling protocols. Under such circumstances, CDC guidelines advise, as a precaution, that all employees working with the identified individual receive immune globulin derived from blood plasma, which temporarily boosts the body's immunity. Immune globulin is only effective if given within 14 days of exposure to the virus. IG is generally not recommended for patrons. (http://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Publications/mmwr/rr/rr4812.pdf)

Hepatitis A is viral disease that attacks the liver. It is spread by the fecal-oral route. Stool from an infected person contaminates foods or objects which are placed in the mouth. Spread occurs when a person does not wash their hands properly after using the toilet or changing diapers and later prepares or eats food.

Onset of hepatitis A is usually sudden and may include fatigue, poor appetite, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and tea-colored urine. Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) may appear a few days later. Symptoms usually appear within three or four weeks of exposure, but not everyone who is infected will experience all symptoms. The single most effective way to prevent spread is careful hand washing after using the toilet or changing diapers.

Testing and treatment will be provided Jan. 10 at the Hudson State Service Center to all Bob's Big Boy employees and workers at the travel plaza's other restaurants who had close contact with the infected employee.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.