By Melissa Batulis
November 24, 2004
Nine people were infected with Hepatitis A between September and October this fall after eating at the Maple Lawn Dairy Family Restaurant in Wellsburg. After a thorough investigation, health officials say they are confident the restaurant is safe for customers.
At a meeting of the Chemung County Board of Health Tuesday night, Public Health Director Robert Page says the source of the outbreak was one of the restaurant’s employees who was infected with Hepatitis A and did not know. He believes that all cases from there have been isolated.
Spreading Hepatitis or any other disease is always a threat especially this time of year when preparing holiday meals. Page says if people are ill or do not use proper hygiene, diseases or viruses can be spread from person to person. The health department also recommends using gloves when mixing foods like hamburger or stuffing and making sure to clean surfaces especially if raw meat has touched it. Also, use good common sense and wash your hands and fresh foods thoroughly.