2,600 get hepatitis shots after eating at pizzeria
28.aug.06
The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Ashley Rhodebeck
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/15380267.htm
More than 2,600 people crowded the Allen County Fairgrounds this weekend to receive treatment for hepatitis A after a local Pizza Hut employee was diagnosed with the disease Thursday.
Anyone who dined in, carried out or ordered food from the restaurant at 5735 Coventry Lane between Aug. 3 and Aug. 19 could have been exposed to the virus, which is rarely fatal, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health said.
The health department provided free shots this weekend for patrons who ate food from the restaurant between Aug. 12 and Aug. 19. Patrons who ate food from the restaurant before Aug. 12 will not benefit from the injection but should watch for symptoms and seek medical attention if symptoms develop, health officials said.
Although officials estimated up to 7,000 might seek treatment, they treated 1,457 people Sunday and 1,154 Saturday, health department communications director John Silcox said.
The final immunization clinic will be 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday on the second floor from the Walb Student Union at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
