Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: November 28, 2001
Contact: Ernest Julian, Ph.D. (401) 222-2749; 
Cell phone 623-0471

REVISED

Public Health Advisory: Hepatitis A Outbreak in Massachusetts (Bristol County)

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) received an advisory from Massachusetts public health officials regarding the current hepatitis A outbreak in Bristol County, MA. One case associated with this outbreak has been observed in Rhode Island.

The outbreak of illness is associated with eating at the D’Angelo’s Restaurant in Swansea during October 2000, from where a food service worker with Hepatitis A had been reported in late October. Twenty (20) of thirty three (33) confirmed cases have reported eating at this restaurant. Additional cases may occur for another 2 weeks. Restaurant workers received preventive treatment at the time. MA health officials are not recommending Immune Globulin to restaurant patrons at this time as the two-week period after exposure is now past for the preventive treatment.

Two of the hepatitis cases associated with the above outbreak are foodservice workers at Rudy’s Country Store in Swansea. MA health officials are therefore advising that consumers who ate cold or prepared food from Rudy’s between November 5 and November 23 may be at risk from developing Hepatitis A symptoms from 2 weeks to 6 weeks after exposure. For those patrons who ate there between November 14 to the 23, Immune Globulin as a preventive measure is likely to be effective and is recommended. A clinic to administer Immune Globulin to patrons will be held at the Charlton Memorial Hospital on November 29 and 30. Rhode Island residents who fit the above criteria may utilize the clinics as well.

Specific questions concerning the outbreak should be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Health at (617) 983-6800.

In addition to observing thorough handwashing guidelines, HEALTH reminds all Rhode Island food establishments and consumers that all food employees must use suitable utensils such as spatulas, tongs, deli tissues or non-latex gloves while preparing and handling all ready-to-eat foods such as salads and sandwiches. Utensils or gloves are not required for foods that will be thoroughly cooked prior to consumption. Thorough handwashing and avoiding direct hand contact of ready-to-eat foods in food establishments can help prevent further transmission of illness. For additional information see www.health.ri.gov