Maine CDC Investigates ‘Hepatitis A’ Case at Community Event in Durham
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a case of 'hepatitis A' virus infection. It's been traced to a community event in Durham Saturday, September 28. A person infected with HAV prepared and served food at a church supper at the Durham Friends Meetinghouse. Approximately 100 people attended the event.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services:
When administered within two weeks of exposure to hepatitis A, vaccination is very effective in preventing illness. The end of the two-week window for effective treatment is this Saturday, October 12. The Maine CDC is urging those who attended the event and anyone who ate food prepared at the event to attend a free hepatitis A vaccination clinic Wednesday, October 9. It will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Durham Eureka Community Center located at 605 Hallowell Road in Durham.
HAV, caused by a virus which affects the liver, can be particularly severe in people who have chronic liver disease. The good news is that HAV is 100 percent preventable by vaccine.
For more information, contact Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821.