Hepatitis outbreak prompts health alert
Friday Jan 6 2006
A public health alert was issued on Thursday after an outbreak of hepatitis in Darwin, reports Northern Territory News.
At least four people have contracted the disease after eating at a hotel.
The incubation period is up to seven weeks and the Territory Health Department believes there could be more cases.
Centre for Disease Control director Vicki Krause said Thursday further transmission of hepatitis A could be prevented by early detection and treatment.
The sufferers were believed to have been infected after eating at the Marrara Hotel in McMillans Rd, Jingili.
A hotel worker is believed to have passed on the disease.
``With an incubation period of at least a month, we're only now starting to see cases emerge,'' Dr Krause said.
The virus causes inflammation of the liver and lasts up to three weeks.
Symptoms include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite and nausea.
People's skin and eyes often turn yellowish.
Dr Krause said there were usually no long-term effects.
Sufferers often have to give up alcohol for six months.
Dr Krause added that anyone who ate at the Marrara Hotel between November 18 and December 3, and was showing signs of hepatitis A should see their doctor.
Hotel manager Stuart Johnston said he was ``shocked'' by the outbreak.
``We are keen to make sure anyone else who might be unwell gets tested promptly and gets appropriate medical advice,'' he said.
Dr Krause praised hotel management for their co-operation with health workers.
The NT Health Department alert will stay in force until January 22.
