Slayton, Minnesota Hepatitis A Outbreak Update

Clinics serve nearly 2,300 people; restaurant reopens; investigation continues

May 7, 2007 -- More than 2,280 people received immune globulin (IG) shots at two public clinics held in Slayton, Minnesota on Friday and Saturday after health officials learned of cases of hepatitis A illness in two food workers at the Pizza Ranch restaurant earlier in the week. Those receiving the shots were people who may have been exposed to hepatitis A through food eaten at the restaurant from April 20 through May 1. The shots, if given within 14 days of exposure, will prevent symptoms of hepatitis A infection.

The restaurant reopened Monday after management complied with all of the conditions required by health officials for reopening. Those requirements included exclusion of all ill foodworkers from working until they recover fully (and are no longer infectious), all other foodworkers receiving immune globulin shots, employee training in various procedures aimed at preventing contamination of food handled by workers, a thorough cleaning of the restaurant and replacement of all ready-to-eat foods.

No additional public IG clinics are planned at this time. According to John Schuh, administrator of the Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, and Pipestone Public Health Services, the vast majority of people from the Slayton area needing IG were served by the two clinics. While it appeared early on Saturday that an additional clinic may be needed, demand tapered off after noon on Saturday, but the entire allotment of IG was used.

People who have concerns about their possible exposure or about needing immune globulin should consult their health care provider. The Minnesota Department of Health will continue to operate a toll-free line during regular business hours Monday through Friday for people who have questions about hepatitis or the outbreak. That number is 1-877-676-5414.

As of Monday, May 7, there are four confirmed cases of hepatitis A in this outbreak: three among food workers and one in a patron of the Pizza Ranch. MDH will continue to investigate current cases of illness and any future possible cases. Additional cases of illness may yet occur because some people may have been exposed before April 20 and did not receive IG. The source of the hepatitis A is still under investigation.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by HAV, but does not result in a chronic infection. Adults generally experience acute symptoms, particularly headache, fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and nausea. Dark (tea or cola-colored) urine, light-colored feces (stool), and yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice) may appear a few days later. Young children generally do not have symptoms. Rarely, hepatitis A can lead to very severe liver disease. Most people who have hepatitis A get well on their own after a few weeks, but may need to rest in bed for several days or weeks.

There is a very effective vaccine that protects against infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV). Careful hand washing after using the toilet, after changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food will prevent the spread of HAV.

More information on hepatitis A can be found on the MDH Web site at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hepa/index.html.

Source: Minnesota Department of Health