Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 5, 1994 TAG: 9411070036
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Dr. Molly Rutledge, director of Roanoke Health Department, said customers who ate food or consumed drinks at the Dairy Queen between Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 may be at risk for infection.
Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food, when a person handling the food fails to wash his or her hands properly after using the bathroom.
An immune globulin shot, which can block infection, is effective for people who have been exposed less than 14 days ago. This shot can benefit people who ate at the Dairy Queen from Oct. 22 to 29. Rutledge said the shot will not be effective for customers who ate at Dairy Queen before Oct. 22.
The Health Department, at 515 Eighth St. S.E., will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday to give shots. People also can call the department during those hours at 857-7600.
Symptoms of hepatitis A, a nonfatal but infectious disease, include fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. Rutledge encouraged people with these symptoms to call their doctor or the Health Department.
Rutledge said this is the second time this year a food worker has become sick with hepatitis in the Roanoke area.
A worker at a fast-food restaurant in Southwest Roanoke County who also worked at a grocery store deli in the same area tested positive in May.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***