Health News: Nanotechnology drug to control blindness ♦ Successful vaccination against Chlamydia infection ♦ New conductive ink for electronic apparel

New and innovative approach for successful vaccination against Chlamydia infections Chlamydiae are the most common, sexually transmitted, bacterial pathogens in the world. Every year around 100 million people contract Chlamydia infections, which are one of the main causes of female infertility and ectopic pregnancies and can also lead to blindness – especially in developing countries.An international research team discovered how to stimulate the immune response to Chlamydiae both efficiently and preventively

New nanotechnology drug to control blindness A innovative product in the form of droplets, reduces the cost of current medications. It is a nanotechnology product, which works with last generation liposomes particles, concentrated in droplets, which function as a conveyor that wraps proteins or antibody fragments and allow its passage into the eye. Once inside, it releases the drugs.

New conductive ink for electronic apparel Researchers have developed a new ink that can be printed on textiles in a single step to form highly conductive and stretchable connections. This new functional ink will enable electronic apparel such as sportswear and underwear incorporating sensing devices for measuring a range of biological indicators such as heart rate and muscle contraction.

Investigation examines bitter dispute over e-cigarettes in the public health community An investigation reveals how the controversial concept of 'harm reduction', embraced enthusiastically by the tobacco industry, has sharply divided the public health community when it comes to the discussion around e-cigarettes.

As smoking declines, more are likely to quit Smokeless tobacco and, more recently, e-cigarettes have been promoted as a harm reduction strategy for smokers who are “unable or unwilling to quit.” The strategy, embraced by both industry and some public health advocates, is based on the assumption that as smoking declines overall, only those who cannot quit will remain. A new study has found just the opposite.

Oregon confirms seventh meningococcal disease case

State confirms seventh meningococcal disease case

Oregon Public Health officials are confirming a seventh case of meningococcal disease linked to a University of Oregon outbreak – a 52-year-old man who visited his daughter on the UO campus May 2-3. They say it’s proof the illness lingers on campus, and students should immediately get vaccinated.

The university worked quickly to provide preventive antibiotic treatment to the man’s close contacts. Oregon Public Health and Lane County Public Health continue to work closely with UO to investigate this outbreak.

Parents and other campus visitors are not at increased risk of exposure to meningococcal B disease by simply visiting the UO campus. However, they can help reduce the transmission risk by covering their cough; washing and sanitizing their hands often; not sharing drinks, utensils, cigarettes or other smoking equipment or personal cosmetics that touch the lips; and knowing that kissing poses a risk.

UO students should get vaccinated against the disease right away, and be sure to complete the dose series, which is offered in two- and three-dose courses. So far, more than 10,000 UO students have received the first dose of the meningitis B vaccine. The goal is to vaccinate all University of Oregon undergraduate students. Additional information:

• Public Health Division meningococcal facts at http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/MeningococcalDisease/Pages/facts.aspx
• UO meningitis B vaccine information at https://healthcenter.uoregon.edu/getthevax.aspx

Children's Health:Childhood vaccination reduces leukemia risk ♦ Teen sleep patterns linked to alcohol or marijuana use ♦ Smoking marijuana stunts growth in boys

Smoking marijuana may cause early puberty and stunts growth in boys Boys who smoke marijuana go through puberty earlier but grow more slowly than those who have never smoked the drug according to a new study.

New school-based program helps reduce absentee rate for urban minority children with asthma Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, and it can only be managed, not cured.It is the most common disease-related reason for children missing school. This can have a negative effect on their academic achievement.

Association between teen sleep patterns, alcohol or marijuana use Studying adolescents in Southern California, researchers found that the link between sleep and alcohol/marijuana use was consistent even after controlling for other known risk factors, such as depression. For every 10 minutes later that teens went to bed, there was a 6 percent increased risk of alcohol or marijuana use in the previous month. In addition, teens who reported significant trouble sleeping were 55 percent more likely to have used alcohol in the past month

44 percent of parents struggle to limit cell phone use at playgrounds Cell phone use at playgrounds is a significant source of parental guilt, research shows. The study also noted that caregivers absorbed in their phones ignored children's requests for attention more than half the time.

How early childhood vaccination reduces leukemia risk A team of researchers has discovered how a commonly administered vaccine protects against acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL), the most common type of childhood cancer. The Haemophilus influenzae Type b vaccine not only prevents ear infections and meningitis caused by the Hib bacterium, but also protects against ALL, which accounts for approximately 25 percent of cancer diagnoses among children younger than 15 years.

1/6/15 Health News: Kansas prisons repeat food safety violations ♦ 1.5 million cancer deaths averted ♦ Vaccinating Saves Lives ♦ Predicting superbugs' countermoves to new drugs

Kansas prisons yield repeat food safety violations

Dirty kitchen conditions and violations repeated for several months are among some of the more consistent findings in food safety inspections for Kansas prisons.

Although the corrections department adheres to Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) food safety guidelines, like restaurants, it doesn’t rely on KDA staff to do the inspections. Continue Reading

More than 1.5 million cancer deaths averted during 2 decades of dropping mortality

The American Cancer Society's annual cancer statistics report finds that a 22 percent drop in cancer mortality over two decades led to the avoidance of more than 1.5 million cancer deaths that would have occurred if peak rates had persisted Continue Reading

Vaccinating Saves Lives

For those who grew up in the 1950s and early 1960s, measles was almost a childhood rite of passage. Fifty years ago there were half a million cases and 500 deaths reported in the United States every year. South Dakota experienced over 10,000 cases of measles during the peak years before the 1960s Continue Reading

Predicting superbugs' countermoves to new drugs

With drug-resistant bacteria on the rise, even common infections that were easily controlled for decades are proving trickier to treat with standard antibiotics. New drugs are desperately needed, but so are ways to maximize the effective lifespan of these drugs. To accomplish that, researchers used software they developed to predict a constantly-evolving infectious bacterium's counter-moves to one of these new drugs ahead of time, before the drug is even tested on patients. Continue Reading

Tips for Avoiding Winter Colds & Flu

While contagious viruses are active year-round, fall and winter are when we're most vulnerable to them. This is due in large part to people spending more time indoors with others when the weather gets cold.

Fortunately, we can fight back with several FDA-approved medicines and vaccines.

Colds and Flu

Most respiratory bugs come and go within a few days, with no lasting effects. However, some cause serious health problems. People who use tobacco or who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more prone to respiratory illnesses and more severe complications than nonsmokers.

Colds usually cause stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Other symptoms include coughing, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes. There is no vaccine against colds, which come on gradually and often spread through contact with infected mucus.

Flu comes on suddenly, and lasts longer than colds. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, chills, dry cough, body aches, fatigue, and general misery. Like colds, flu can cause a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Young children may also experience nausea and vomiting with flu. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. A person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it.

Flu season in the United States may begin as early as October and can last as late as May, and generally peaks between December and February. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• More than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized from flu-related complications each year, including 20,000 children younger than age 5.
• Between 1976 and 2006, the estimated number of flu-related deaths every year ranged from about 3,000 to about 49,000.
• In the 2013 – 2014 season, there were in the U.S. 35.4 million influenza-associated illnesses, 14.6 medically attended flu illnesses, and 314,000 flu hospitalizations.

Get vaccinated against flu.

With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated against flu. Flu vaccination, available as a shot or a nasal spray, can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, missed work and school, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

It’s ideal to be vaccinated by October, although vaccination into January and beyond can still offer protection. Annual vaccination is needed because flu viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccines may need to be updated, and because a person’s immune protection from the vaccine declines over time. Annual vaccination is especially important for people at high risk for developing serious complications from flu. These people include:

• young children under 5 years, but especially those younger than 2.
• pregnant women
• people with certain chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease)
• people age 65 years and older

Vaccination also is especially important for health care workers, and others who live with or care for people at high risk for serious flu-related complications. Since babies under 6 months of age are too young to get a flu vaccine, their mother should get a flu shot during her pregnancy to protect them throughout pregnancy and up to 6 months after birth. Additionally, all of the baby’s caregivers and close contacts should be vaccinated as well.

Wash your hands often. Teach children to do the same. Both colds and flu can be passed through contaminated surfaces, including the hands. FDA says that while soap and water are best for hand hygiene, alcohol-based hand rubs may also be used. However, dirt or blood on hands can render the hand rubs unable to kill bacteria.

Try to limit exposure to infected people. Keep infants away from crowds for the first few months of life.

Practice healthy habits.

• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get enough sleep.
• Exercise.
• Do your best to keep stress in check.

Already Sick?

Usually, colds have to run their course. Gargling with salt water may relieve a sore throat. And a cool-mist humidifier may help relieve stuffy noses.

Here are other steps to consider:

• Call your healthcare professional. Start the treatment early.
• Limit your exposure to other people. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay hydrated and rested. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated products which may dehydrate you.
• Talk to your healthcare professional to find out what will work best for you.

In addition to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, there are FDA-approved prescription medications for treating flu. Cold and flu complications may include bacterial infections (e.g., bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, and pneumonia) that could require antibiotics.

Taking OTC Products

Read medicine labels carefully and follow the directions. People with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, should check with a health care professional or pharmacist before taking a new cough and cold medicine.

Choose OTC medicines appropriate for your symptoms. To unclog a stuffy nose, use nasal decongestants. Cough suppressants quiet coughs; expectorants loosen mucus; antihistamines help stop a runny nose and sneezing; and pain relievers can ease fever, headaches, and minor aches.

Check the medicine's side effects. Medications can cause drowsiness and interact with food, alcohol, dietary supplements, and each other. It’s best to tell your health care professional and pharmacist about every medical product and supplement you are taking.

Check with a healthcare professional before giving medicine to children.

See a healthcare professional if you aren't getting any better. With children, be alert for high fevers and for abnormal behavior such as unusual drowsiness, refusal to eat, crying a lot, holding the ears or stomach, and wheezing.

Signs of trouble for all people can include

• a cough that disrupts sleep
• a fever that won't respond to treatment
• increased shortness of breath
• face pain caused by a sinus infection
• high fever, chest pain, or a difference in the mucus you're producing, after feeling better for a short time.

6/18/14 Health News: Chinese food safety is worse than you think ♦ War Wound Infections ♦ Resveratrol, Causes Pancreatic Abnormalities in Fetuses ♦ Early Vaccines Save Lives in Flu Pandemic

Chinese food safety is worse than you think

In April, I began an email correspondence with an American I’ll call Susan (she prefers to remain anonymous), who has lived in China for 15 years while working in publishing. She currently resides in Beijing and also lived in a small town in Hubei province. Susan came across our Change.org petition (322,000+ signatures) asking Congress to “Keep Chinese Chicken Out of Our Schools …continue reading

Veterans to Benefit From Better Identification of War Wound Infections

War wounds that heal successfully frequently contain different microbial species from those that heal poorly, according to a paper published ahead of print in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.These and other findings have important implications for improving wound healing, Continue Reading

'Healthy' Component of Red Wine, Resveratrol, Causes Pancreatic Abnormalities in Fetuses

New research suggests that although resveratrol improved blood flow through the placenta of macaque monkeys and protected against harmful aspects of obesity, resveratrol injured the fetal pancreas. Here's more evidence that pregnant women should be careful about what they eat and drink: This study has direct relevance to human health — resveratrol, found in red wine and frequently taken as a supplement, is widely used for its recognized health benefits, and is readily available over the counter. Continue Reading

Vaccination During 'Optimal Window' Is the Key to Saving Lives in Next Flu Pandemic

Early vaccination could reduce morbidity, mortality, and health care costs associated with pandemic flu, according to an article being published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Response to a 2009 H1N1 pandemic was not optimal, with large-scale vaccination not occurring until nine months after outbreak.. A delay of just four weeks leads to substantial increases in infection, deaths, and costs. Continue Reading

Pertussis Cases Rise In South Dakota

 Recent reports of pertussis in the Black Hills area have the Department of Heath reminding parents to make sure their kids are appropriately immunized.

South Dakota had 67 cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, in 2013.  So far this year we have had 29 cases reported and several suspects and many close contacts.  A disproportionate number of cases have been in the Black Hills area.  

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by cough. Early symptoms resemble a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs followed by a crowing or high pitched whoop. Thick, clear mucus may be discharged. Coughing episodes may recur for one to two months, and are more frequent at night.

While it can affect people of any age, it is most severe in babies under 6 months old, especially in preterm and unvaccinated infants. The elderly are also at risk.

The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible level of immunization in the community. The vaccine is given in a series of doses at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months of age and between 4 and 6 years of age. Because immunity wanes over time, a booster dose is recommended for adolescents, 11-12 years of age, and for adults.

Treatment with antibiotics can shorten the contagious period. People who have been in contact with an infected person should see their physician, receive antibiotics, and be monitored for respiratory symptoms for 21 days after the last contact. People with pertussis or their symptomatic contacts may be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Measles Outbreak with Adopted Children from China

Timely vaccination for international adoptees before coming to the United States can prevent the spread of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Although measles is a highly infectious disease that may lead to severe complications and even death, it can be prevented through routine vaccination. In this cluster, two adoptees from China were diagnosed with measles in July 2013, shortly after arriving in the United States.

Contact investigations by state and local public health agencies led to the identification of two additional measles cases, involving a family member of an adoptee and another new adoptee from China. All of the adoptees were children aged 2-years-old with cerebral palsy who had not received vaccination against measles.

By ensuring that international adoptees are up-to-date on their vaccines while still in their countries of origin, the spread of vaccine preventable disease like measles can be avoided.

Rabies Cases Drop in South Dakota

After two years of increasing cases, rabies numbers in South Dakota dropped to 28 in 2013. There were 60 cases of animal rabies in 2012 and 40 in 2011.

“Rabies is a cyclical disease, with high case numbers one year and lower numbers the next but the fact is that it is a risk every year in South Dakota,” said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, state epidemiologist for the Department of Health. “It’s important to make sure your pets are vaccinated to protect yourself and your animals.”   

Twenty South Dakota counties had rabies detections in 2013. Those detections included seven domestic animals – five cattle, one dog and one cat – as well as 16 skunks and five bats. South Dakota’s last human rabies case was reported in 1970.

Infected wild animals can pass rabies to pets or livestock, which can then expose humans. A non-vaccinated pet bitten by a rabid animal will likely have to be put to sleep, noted Dr. Russ Daly, state public health veterinarian. “Rabies vaccinations for pets are widely available and not expensive,” said Dr. Daly. “Getting your pet vaccinated not only protects people, it may save the life of your pet as well.”

Dr. Daly said rabies vaccination should also be considered for other animals such as horses and show animals that have frequent contact with people.

Individuals can also reduce the risk of rabies with these precautions:

• Do not handle, adopt or attempt to feed wild animals. Teach children to avoid animals they don't know and to tell you immediately if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.
• Avoid any animal, wild or domestic, that behaves strangely and immediately report it to your local veterinarian, animal control or law enforcement office.
• Do not handle dead, sick or injured animals. If you must, use heavy gloves, sticks, or other tools to avoid direct contact. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when treating a sick animal
• Prevent exposure to saliva.
• Close outdoor trash containers tightly to avoid attracting skunks and raccoons.
• Clear wood or junk piles from homes to deter wild animals from moving in.
• Do not handle bats. If bats are found in a room with children or sleeping people, call the department of Health, your physician or local animal control officer.

Contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect rabies in a wild animal, pet or livestock, or if your animal has been bitten by a possibly rabid animal. If you have a potential exposure to rabies, wash the affected area with soap and water right away and call your doctor or the Department of Health at 1-800-592-1861. Contact your veterinarian for instructions on how to handle the animal. If the animal is dead, save the carcass for testing, being careful not to damage the head. If it is alive, contact your local animal control authorities so it can be captured for examination or observation. If you are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, rabies vaccination can prevent human disease.

Reducing Flu in Pre-school Children

Impact of Requiring Influenza Vaccination for Children Attending Licensed Childcare or Preschool Programs — Connecticut, 2012–13 Influenza Season

Preschool-aged children are at high risk for serious consequences of influenza and should be vaccinated against influenza, especially those in settings where transmission is common such as child care facilities.

Effective January 2011, preschool-aged children in Connecticut were required to be vaccinated against influenza to attend licensed child care. Investigators from the Yale School of Public Health and the Connecticut Department of Public Health evaluated the effect of this requirement on vaccination rates and on hospitalizations of young children during the 2012-2013 influenza season. Vaccination rates in Connecticut rose more quickly and were higher than children in the rest of the United States. After the requirement was implemented, hospitalization rates for influenza in young children in Connecticut were lower compared with 10 other sites in the United States with similar monitoring.

Requiring influenza vaccination in children attending child care facilities appears to have contributed to lower hospitalization rates from influenza among young children in Connecticut.

Syria: 10 Confirmed Cases of Polio

Following reports of a cluster of 22 acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases on [17 Oct 2013] in the Syrian Arab Republic, wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) has been isolated from 10 of the cases under investigation. Final genetic sequencing results are pending to determine the origin of the isolated viruses. Wild poliovirus had not been detected in the Syrian Arab Republic since 1999.

Most of the cases are very young (below 2 years of age), and were un- or under-immunized. Estimated immunization rates in the Syrian Arab Republic declined from 91 percent in 2010 to 68 percent in 2012.

Even before this laboratory confirmation, health authorities in the Syrian Arab Republic and neighbouring countries had begun the planning and implementation of a comprehensive outbreak response. On [24 Oct 2013], an already-planned large scale supplementary immunization activity (SIA) was launched in the Syrian Arab Republic to vaccinate 1.6 million children against polio, measles, mumps, and rubella, in both government-controlled and contested areas.

Implementation of an SIA in Deir Al Zour [Dayr az Zawr] province commenced promptly when the 1st 'hot cases' were reported. Larger-scale outbreak response across the Syrian Arab Republic and neighbouring countries is anticipated to begin in early November 2013, to last for at least 6 to 8 months depending on the area and based on evolving epidemiology.

Given the current situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, frequent population movements across the region and subnational immunity gaps in key areas, the risk of further international spread of wild poliovirus type 1 across the region is considered to be high. A surveillance alert has been issued for the region to actively search for additional potential cases.

WHO's International Travel and Health recommends that all travellers to and from polio-infected areas be fully vaccinated against polio.

Source http://www.promedmail.org/

Four Food Handlers in the Bronx have Hepatitis A

In response to cases of hepatitis A infections in an employee and four customers at New Hawaii Sea restaurant, located at 1475 Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx, the Health Department is urging customers who ate at the restaurant, either in-store, through catering or delivery, between September 7th and September 19th to receive hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. Any leftover food from this restaurant should also be discarded.

Hepatitis A is spread by eating food (even though it might look clean) that has been contaminated by an infected person. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. People typically develop symptoms of hepatitis A infection about one month (range is 15 to 50 days) after they are exposed to the virus. If people are vaccinated within 14 days of exposure, vaccination can prevent the disease from occurring.

Any person who ate at New Hawaii Sea, either in-store, through catering or delivery, between September 7th and September 19th is considered at risk and is recommended to receive hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. Any person who ate food from this restaurant before September 7th should be evaluated if they have symptoms suggestive of infection. The Health Department is working with the restaurant to ensure that all the food handlers are vaccinated. The restaurant is cooperating fully with the Health Department and will remain closed until enough employees are vaccinated to reopen safely.

People can visit their regular doctor to receive this shot. The Health Department will offer hepatitis A vaccinations starting tomorrow, September 21st at the Herbert Lehman High School, 3000 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 at the following times:

Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 2-8 pm

Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 2-8 pm

For vaccination clinic updates to your mobile device, text HEPA to 877877.

People who have health insurance should bring their insurance information. People who do not have health insurance will receive vaccine free of charge. Women who are pregnant will not be treated at our site and should consult their doctor as far as potential vaccination. People with immune-compromising conditions should consult their doctor to discuss whether to receive vaccine or a different preventive treatment.

People who were exposed but have already received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine sometime in their life do not need another shot; all others should be vaccinated.

“We are asking all restaurant patrons and employees to get this vaccination as soon as possible,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “If people experience symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately. This incident serves as an important reminder to always wash your hands thoroughly before handling food to prevent the spread of disease.”

About Hepatitis

Hepatitis type A is a liver disease caused by a virus. It is spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth (even though it might look clean) that has been contaminated with traces of fecal matter from an infected person. There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat a person once the symptoms appear. While some people who have chronic liver disease or a weakened immune system could experience more severe illness and require hospitalization, hepatitis A is rarely fatal (fewer than 1% of cases).

In order for the vaccine to be most effective in preventing disease, people should be vaccinated within 14 days. The earlier the vaccine is given, the more effective it is in preventing the disease.

1100 Contoocook NH Residents Exposed to Hepatitis A

A bartender who worked while sickened with contagious hepatitis A may have exposed Contoocook, NH residents to the virus.  More than 1,100 people showed up last weekend for hepatitis A virus vaccinations. This town’s entire population is only  1,444.

Customers of both the Covered Bridge Restaurant and the American Legion in Contoocook could have been exposed to the virus by the bartender from July 20 to Aug. 3. The state’s Bureau of Infectious Diseases estimated 600 to 1,000 people were potentially exposed.

Hepatitis A vaccines are most effective if obtained as soon as possible after exposure. New Hampshire health officials urged anyone who might have been exposed to obtain a vaccine no later than Aug. 17. In addition to the vaccine clinic, the shots are available at local doctor’s offices.

The bartender has recovered and is cleared to return to work. Hepatitis A is a communicable disease that spreads from person-to-person. It is spread almost exclusively through fecal-oral contact, generally from person-to-person, or via contaminated food or water. Symptoms may not occur for several weeks after exposure and may include abdominal discomfort, fever, malaise, muscle aches, and a yellowing of the skin called jaundice. In rare cases, hepatitis A causes liver failure.

Hepatitis A is spread when food and water is contaminated with fecal matter, or through sexual contact.

After the bartender’s illness was reported to state officials on Aug. 7, state officials suggested the Covered Bridge close, which it did. In addition to cleaning, the restaurant renovated its kitchen before re-opening after inspection Aug. 14.

The restaurant did not have a policy for employees to report to supervisors if they are diagnosed with foodborne illnesses, but such a policy is not legally required in New Hampshire. The state has required school children to obtain hepatitis A vaccines since 2006.

In the past several restaurant workers  have exposed their customers to hepatitis A resulting in many lawsuits.

• Alta Restaurant Hepatitis A Exposure Class Action lawsuit – New York (2013)
• Carl’s Jr. Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Washington (2000)
• Chipotle Grill Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – California (2008)
• D’Angelo’s Deli Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Massachusetts (2001)
• Friendly’s Hepatitis A Exposure Lawsuit – Massachusetts (2004)
• Houlihan’s Hepatitis A Exposure Lawsuit – Illinois (2007)
• Maple Lawn Dairy Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuit – New York (2004)
• McDonald’s Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuit – Washington (1998)
• McDonald’s Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Illinois (2009)
• Olive Garden Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuit – North Carolina (2011)
• Quizno’s Hepatitis A Exposure Lawsuit – Massachusetts (2004)
• Subway Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Washington (1999)

Hepatitis A is the only foodborne illness for which a vaccine exists; however infection can only be prevented if the vaccine is given within 14 days of exposure. Therefore those individuals who were potentially exposed on March 14 and March 16 should contact a medical provider immediately to receive treatment. Those who may have been exposed prior to March 14 should have developed symptoms by now if they have contracted the virus.

From both a public health perspective and business perspective, it makes sense for restaurants to vaccinate their employees against hepatitis A.. It is much simpler to take the initial proactive precaution rather than gamble on a mass scare that equates to potential illness, loss of business, and public uncertainty.

Source Food Safety Journal and Food Safety News