The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is warning patrons of two restaurants in Contoocook that a food service worker has been diagnosed with hepatitis A. Anyone who visited the covered Bridge Restaurant and the American Legion between July 20, 2013 and August 3, 2013 may have been exposed to the virus.
Dr. Jose Montero, NH’s Public Health Director said in a statement, “we realize this may be concerning to anyone who may have been exposed to this illness at either of these establishments. While we believe the risk of exposure is extremely low, we are conducting a thorough investigation to help identify anyone who may be at risk so that they can receive prophylaxis.” As many as 1,000 people may have been exposed to hepatitis A.
If you visited either of those restaurants, contact your doctor to see if you should receive a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccine. Vaccination clinics are being offered by the state as well. They will be held Friday, August 9 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday, August 10, 2013 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Hopkinton High School at 297 Park Avenue in Contoocook is the location for the clinics.
If you were potentially exposed to the virus within the last two weeks, you can receive the vaccination. But if you were exposed more than two weeks ago, you must monitor yourself for the symptoms of hepatitis A, including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light colored bowel movements, fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal cramps. There is no treatment for the virus except for palliative care.
