N.H. Sees Big Increase in Hepatitis Cases

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ Drug abuse is helping fuel a dramatic increase in Hepatitis A cases in New Hampshire, prompting health officials to recommend that drug users be vaccinated. <br/><br/>``This is an

Thursday, May 12th 2005, 10:00 am

By: News On 6

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ Drug abuse is helping fuel a dramatic increase in Hepatitis A cases in New Hampshire, prompting health officials to recommend that drug users be vaccinated.

``This is an important situation for us,'' said acting state Epidemiolgist Dr. Jose Montero. ``Historically, we have 16 to 20 case per year. This year, we have had 21.''

About half of the cases involved people who used drugs, or people in close contact with someone who used drugs, Montero said.

``We are strongly advising anyone who uses drugs to get a Hepatitis A vaccine,'' he said.

His comments came Wednesday as the state confirmed the latest Hepatitis patient, a Salem restaurant worker. Montero did not say how the worker became ill. The liver disease also is transmitted through unprotected sex or fecal bacteria in food.

The restaurant worker's family members and close acquaintances are being treated, but public health officials said they do not plan vaccination clinics for restaurant customers.

``There is no substantial risk to customers of the establishment,'' said Public Health Director MaryAnn Cooney, who said the state was not identifying the restaurant because of the low risk.

``We don't expect any (customers) to come down with the disease,'' she said.

Last year, the state set up clinics and vaccinated about 2,500 people after they were possibly exposed to hepatitis A at a Taco Bell restaurant in Derry.

Cooney and Montero said the latest diagnosis was confirmed Tuesday. Public health officials determined there was little risk because of the times the patient worked and the times he was most infectious. Also, when he did work, he followed proper food preparation precautions.

The man was hospitalized, Montero said, and was expected to recover.

The restaurant case, Cooney said, highlights the need for food service workers to be vigilant in handling and preparing food. The precautions include wearing gloves. But she said everyone else can help avoid the illness by washing hands frequently and washing fruits and vegetables.

``Anyone really is at risk of getting it,'' she said.

The state has set up a hotline to answer questions about the illness. It is 1-800-852-3345, extension 4496.