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 Health & Beauty | May 2007 
Cases Of Hepatitis A Prompts Warning: Eating Raw Oysters Can Be Dangerous
 emaxhealth.com
The Arizona Department of Health has confirmed 11 cases of hepatitis A in Maricopa County. All reported eating raw oysters in Puerto Peñasco in March and are recovering.
Two additional cases were discovered statewide, one each in Pima and Yuma counties.
Mexican health officials are investigating possible sources of the contaminated oysters, as they were eaten at various locations including an oyster farm, street vendors and at the beach.
"These most recent cases are a reminder that eating uncooked shellfish is the same story as with meat and poultry — if you eat it raw or undercooked, there is a real risk of getting sick with some pretty nasty bugs," said Dr. Bob England, Director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
Illness resulting from hepatitis A infection may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or abdominal discomfort, which may be followed within a few days by jaundice. Hepatitis A can take from 15 to 50 days to develop, however it usually takes about 30 days. The illness is rarely fatal, and is usually of mild to moderate severity.
"Our investigation leads us to believe that these 11 people were exposed from mid to late March," said Dr. England. "Anyone who has traveled to Mexico during this time or subsequently and who develops the above symptoms should consult with their health care provider."
Due to a higher risk of complications, anyone with another form of hepatitis or underlying liver disease and who ate raw oysters in Puerto Peñasco during this time may wish to consult with their health care provider.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people traveling to countries where hepatitis A is common should consider getting immunized. There is an effective vaccine that virtually eliminates the possibility of getting hepatitis A.
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 with hepatitis A. To avoid contracting hepatitis A, always wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing or eating food. |
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