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The New Hampshire Division of Public
Health is urging patrons who ate at either of two Contoocook restaurants on or
after July 20 to get tested for Hepatitis A after an employee tested positive
for the infection. The bartender in question worked at both the American Legion
and the Covered Bridge Restaurant.
Hepatitis A attacks the liver but is
not life-threatening. Symptoms are comparable to those of having the flu and
usually last fewer than two months. The virus is transmitted when fecal matter
contaminates food, water, or utensils, or through sexual contact. The disease
has no treatment or cure; however, receiving a vaccine or immune globulin soon
after exposure reduces the probability of contracting the disease.
The Division of Public Health will
offer two vaccination clinics at Hopkinton High School on Friday, August 9,
from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, August 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m. Individuals ages 12 months to 40 can receive the vaccine. Young infants or
persons older than 40 can receive immune globulin, which contains antibodies
that provide immediate protection.
Health officials have not received
any additional reports of infection, but as many as 1,000 people might require
testing, according to Jose Montero, director of the New Hampshire Division of
Public Health. He also noted that children had been vaccinated against
hepatitis A routinely since approximately 2006, and that those who had been
vaccinated or otherwise exposed to the virus were not at risk of infection.
Additionally, only people who ate at
the establishments in question were at risk; families, co-workers, and friends
were considered safe. Montero also noted that information could change once the
division identified the infected bartender’s exact work schedule but that they
had “no particular reason” to question the health practices at either
restaurant.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus.
To learn more about The Friends of
AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
