FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Hildy Meyers
M.D., Medical Director
March 22, 2000
Epidemiology
(714) 834-8024
DIRECTOR
Michael Schumacher, Ph.D.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
JULIETTE A. POULSON, RN, MN
MAILING ADDRESS:
515 N. SYCAMORE ST., SUITE 604
SANTA ANA, CA 92701
TELE.: (714) 834-6021
FAX: (714) 834-5506
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC
HEALTH RECOMMENDS IMMUNE GLOBULIN FOR SOME PATRONS OF
FISHERMAN'S BAR
(Santa Ana) Today Dr.
Mark Horton, Orange County Health Officer, recommended
that certain patrons of the Fisherman's Bar (not Fisherman's
Restaurant) in San Clemente get an injection of immune
globulin (IG) due to possible exposure to hepatitis A.
One Fisherman's Bar employee has been identified as having
hepatitis A.
"Although the facts of this case indicate a low risk
of infection , it is still important for customers to
receive IG because the possibility of exposure does exist,"
said Dr. Hildy Meyers, Medical Director, Epidemiology.
IG is a preparation of antibodies that helps the body
fight off hepatitis A infection after exposure. It is
only effective if given within 14 days of exposure to
hepatitis A and should be given as soon as possible.
Patrons who were at the bar in the following time frame
should contact a physician and request immuni globulin.
You should do this if you were at Fisherman's Bar in any
of the following times:March 11 from 10 am to 7 pm --
should be innoculated by March 25
March 12 from 10 am to 6 pm -- should be innoculated by
March 26
March 13 from 5 pm to 9 pm -- should be innoculated by
March 27
"Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver
caused by the hepatitis A virus," said Meyers. "
Typical symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite,
vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and light colored
stools, a yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin
(called jaundice), mild fever and diarrhea. It is also
possible to be infected and not have any symptoms. The
lack of symptoms is more common in young children. There
is no chronic infection with hepatitis A. Once someone
has had it, he will be immune for life."
Handwashing is very important to prevent the spread of
hepatitis A. It is spread to others when an infected person
fails to wash hands after going to the bathroom or changing
diapers and then touches or handles something that another
person puts in his mouth, such as food or toys.
Hands should be washed:
Before every meal, snack or any time something is put
into the mouth
After using the bathroom or changing diapers
Before handling food that someone else might eat
There is a vaccine to protect against hepatitis A. The
vaccine is given before exposure and gives long-term protection.
Routine vaccination against hepatitis A has been recommended
for California children age 2 and older by the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices.
Physicians can contact OCPH at (714) 834-8180 for information
on obtaining IG. If patrons are unable to obtain IG through
their usual source of medical care, OCPH may be able to
provide IG through the Immunization Clinic which can be
reached at (714) 834-8330.
Legal