06/09/05

Travellers Should Be Aware of Hepatitis A Exposure in Yuma Arizona

During May 23-June 6, 2005, a large number of patrons of the Chili Pepper restaurant in Yuma, Arizona were possibly exposed to hepatitis A.

On June 4, a local hospital confirmed that a food-service worker involved in the preparation of ready-to-eat foods had an acute case of hepatitis A infection. The worker had onset of fever and fatigue on June 2. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Yuma County Department of Public Health (YCDPH) are investigating the situation.

In Arizona, immune globulin (IG) is being administered to persons who ate at the restaurant from May 25 through June 2. The Chili Pepper is a popular restaurant, and Yuma is a popular rest area for travelers
between Arizona and southern California. Therefore, all states are encouraged to consider potential exposure to food from this restaurant in hepatitis A cases identified with a history of travel to Arizona.

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IG should be given to exposed contacts that have not previously received hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible, but not more than 2 weeks after the exposure.

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