PINKERTON ACADEMY
HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT
5 PINKERTON ST., DERRY, N.H. 03038-1501
603-437-5218 phone - 603-437-5207 fax
Mrs. A. M. Davis, MS, RN, CS, ARNP Head Nurse
Director Health Services Department
Mrs. D. Moltenbrey, BSN, RN, NCSN School Nurse
Mrs. L. S. Roy, RN School Nurse
Mrs. L. L. Sica, RN School Nurse
October 28, 2004
From time to time, Hepatitis A outbreaks are identified by the State of N.H., Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control. Whenever a case is confirmed CDC thoroughly investigates potential contacts who may be at risk. The source of infection cannot always be determined. The most important “take home” message is prevention. The best way to prevent contracting hepatitis A, as well as many other diseases including influenza (the flu), common colds, some forms of meningitis, etc., is frequent handwashing throughout the day. Handwashing is especially important after every rest room use, after diapering, and always prior to preparing or eating food. It is also important to avoid putting things in your mouth—including fingers, pens, etc.—even if they look clean. Hand sanitizers are excellent tools when soap and water are not readily available.
The following information about Hepatitis, Viral, Type A, has been included for informational and educational purposes:
· Persons who are at risk include household contacts of the infected person, sexual contacts of the infected person, and drug users who may have had contact with an infected person. If the infected person is a food handler, those who have eaten food contaminated by the infected person may be at risk of contracting Hepatitis A. Other potential sources include contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from water contaminated by sewage; fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling; foods handled by vendors not wearing gloves or who have not used proper handwashing procedures, etc.
· Hepatitis A may manifest as a mild illness lasting 1-2 weeks, to a severely disabling disease, lasting months. The virus is found in the stool (feces) of persons with hepatitis A. Transmission to other individuals is usually from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool (feces)—usually due to inadequate handwashing—by a person with hepatitis A. Symptoms usually develop within 28 days (from 15-50 days).
· Individuals who are considered “at risk” may receive immune globulin to prevent the occurrence of disease. Immune globulin must be given within two weeks of the contact to be effective.
· Always seek medical care if jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) is noted. Other symptoms of Hepatitis A include: fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, fever, etc.
· Receiving hepatitis vaccine following exposure is not believed to prevent disease.
· Vaccine is recommended for the following groups: travelers to areas where there is an increased rate of Hepatitis A. This includes travelers to Asia—including China—Africa, Mexico, and other countries where poor sanitation or contaminated water may be more commonly found. (More information on travel recommendations can be found at the CDC website under Travelers Health.) Persons with clotting factor disorders (e.g. hemophilia), chronic liver disease, individuals who engage in anal intercourse, injecting and non-injecting drug users, etc. are also considered to be at higher risk of contracting Hepatitis A.
If you have any questions, please contact your medical provider or the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Program at 1-800-852-3345, extension 4491. Additional resources from CDC have been included below.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/fact.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/faqa.htm#gen
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/faqa.htm
Sincerely,
(Mrs.) A. M. Davis, M.S., R.N., C.S., A.R.N.P.
Head Nurse, Pinkerton Academy