Infected busboy's workplace not named
The New Hanover County Health Department received several calls Thursday asking for the name of the restaurant that employed the busboy linked to an recent outbreak of Hepatitis A.
The health department is not releasing the name.
Because the man did not prepare or handle food, health officials said they believe no one who ate at the restaurant is considered at risk. None of the 12 people diagnosed with the Hepatitis A virus thus far contracted it from the restaurant.
The disease is spread person to person by infected fecal matter.
The man no longer works at the restaurant, and the restaurant's manage-ment has cooperated fully with the health department to ensure there is no further risk to the public.
"If it's not to protect the public's health, we're not at liberty to give the name out," said Scott Harrelson, health programs administrator.
If they did release the restaurant's name, he added, it could discourage other restaurants with health issues from asking for assistance from the health department.
-- Cheryl Welch
