HEPATITIS DIAGNOSED IN GROCERY WORKER

A meat department employee at the Jackson Wal-Mart has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, but health officials say there is no threat to public health."Considering the worker's job responsibilities and what he did, it has been determined this is not a public health concern," Charlotte Craig, director of the Cape Girardeau County Health Department, said after conferring with state health officials and store managers."This is not something we are afraid will seep out, and there isn't a reason for concern," she said.

Jessica Moser, a Wal-Mart spokesperson, said the store is working with the health department and has been told there is no danger to customers.

Moser said that in all areas of Wal-Mart stores, especially the meat departments, employees follow strict guidelines concerning safe food-handling procedures. "Our associates are well-trained before they start the job," Moser said.

Craig said the person with hepatitis A has been interviewed, and people who may have been exposed to the virus through him will be provided immune globulin, which can prevent an exposed person from developing hepatitis A if given within two weeks of exposure. Craig said the five other employees in the meat department will be given immune globulin, but there is no evidence other workers in the store came in contact with the virus.

Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease spread through the fecal-oral route, said the Missouri Department of Health. Hepatitis A is usually spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person who has the disease. If hands are not washed thoroughly after using the toilet, the virus can be carried on the infected person's hands and spread by direct contact or by eating or drinking foods or beverages that were handled by the infected individual.

Craig said the case is the first in Cape Girardeau County connected to the hepatitis A outbreak in Bollinger County, where 10 cases have been confirmed.

Symptoms of hepatitis A may include fatigue, poor appetite, fever and vomiting. Urine may become darker in color, and then jaundice may appear. Few deaths are caused by hepatitis A. Most people recover in a few weeks without complications.

Craig said people who think they may have hepatitis A or have been exposed to it should contact a physician or county health department.

There is a vaccine that will protect against hepatitis A, and it is available at the Cape Girardeau Country Health Department. The county charges full price for the vaccine since it is not supplied by the state. The charge is $25 per dose for adults and $20 for those under 19 . Two doses are required six months apart.

Moser said Wal-Mart customers with concerns about the quality of a product can return it, with a receipt, to the store.