Public Health treats persons exposed to hepatitis AThe Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) treated more than 500 patrons and employees of Iron Hill Brewery in Newark, as of 4:30 p.m., Dec. 21, who may have been exposed to hepatitis A. The free clinics were held Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 at the state service centers in Newark, Dover and Georgetown. The clinics were available to those who consumed food or drink at Iron Hill Brewery on Dec. 6, 8 or 9. Treatment was provided as a precautionary measure because a restaurant employee tested positive for hepatitis A, and there is a slight chance that he may have exposed patrons. DPH recommends that those who patronized the brewery between Nov. 25 and Dec. 5 consult a physician if they experience symptoms of illness. DPH had recommended that those who consumed food or drink at the brewery Dec. 6, 8 or 9 receive immune globulin injections, which can combat hepatitis A if given within two weeks of exposure. Because of the two-week time limit, further administration of immune globulin will not benefit patrons. DPH has not identified any additional hepatitis cases associated with this restaurant. "Iron Hill Brewery has been extremely cooperative and has done everything we asked them to do," Ulder J. Tillman, DPH director, said. "The employee is under medical care and is not working while ill. We have reviewed the restaurant's food-handling practices, and I am confident that the restaurant can continue to serve the public." Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that is not a life-threatening illness for most people. Hepatitis A can be transmitted by contaminated food, ice or drink handled by an infected individual. Onset of hepatitis A is usually sudden, with fever, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and dark, tea-colored urine, followed within a few days by jaundice. Some individuals may not experience every symptom, although severity increases with age. Mild cases can last one to two weeks, with severe cases lasting several months. Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the DPH Health Information Hotline at 1-888-295-5156 (in-state), or (302) 739-5617 (out-of-state).  |