Worry over Hep A outbreak in Christchurch
Jan 11, 2006
Two more cases of Hepatitis A have been reported in Christchurch – bringing the total number of people affected by the outbreak to 12 in the past two weeks.
On average, three cases of the virus are reported to the Canterbury District Health Board each year.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr Mel Brieseman, says the ages of those affected range from three to 73 years.

Dr Brieseman says they are endeavoring to find a common food source – which is difficult because the virus has an incubation period of anywhere from two to seven weeks.
Hepatitis A affects the liver and is most commonly spread by the contamination of food through poor hygiene practices.