HEPATITIS A SHOTS OFFERED TO AREA FOOD WORKERS

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center is encouraging food service workers and others to receive hepatitis A vaccinations next week at a special immunization clinic.

Nurses will administer the hepatitis A and tetanus vaccines Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Osage Centre.

No appointments are necessary for the public clinic.

The hepatitis A vaccine is $25 for adults and $20 for those 19 and younger. The fees help offset costs of the vaccine. Free tetanus shots also will be available.

"We've had the vaccine available to us locally for about two years now," said Jane Wernsman, health department assistant director. "I think we have seen during that time period an increase in the number of people who are asking for the vaccine. We really recommend any individual employed in food handling or food preparation for the general public really consider getting the vaccine."

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread through close contact with people carrying the disease or by ingesting contaminated food or water. Symptoms are similar to those associated with the flu, including nausea, vomiting, fever and jaundice.

Hepatitis A is usually spread by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person who has the disease. The best way to prevent the disease is through good hand washing.

People receiving the vaccine must get two shots within a six-month period. Common side effects to the vaccine are pain and redness at the injection site, and possibly, fever, headache and tiredness.

The disease is gaining recognition largely because of an increase in outbreaks throughout the country. In November, eight unrelated cases of hepatitis A were confirmed in Bollinger County. Cape Girardeau County had 10 confirmed cases during 1999.

Wernsman said the number of cases has increased, usually there are one or two per year. She said public health officials administered immune globulin to 121 people who came into contact with the hepatitis A cases last year.

Outbreaks related to restaurant dining are becoming common in the St. Louis-area, sparking some discussion of making the hepatitis A vaccination mandatory for food service workers in that area. Wernsman said she has not heard of similar considerations locally.

"It does seem to be on the increase, particularly with the increase of people who eat out and travel," said Wernsman. "It is out there and it is something to be aware of."

Although it is rarely fatal, hepatitis A can have long-term medical effects and can take a month for recovery.