nbc13.com
September 14, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The state Health Department is investigating an outbreak of Hepatitis A. Health officials said they have found 13 cases across the state since the beginning of September.
They believe most of the cases resulted from eating raw oysters that were contaminated.
State Health Officer Don Williamson said the infections happened before Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and are unrelated to any contamination caused by the hurricane.

But Williamson said it’s likely the storm did contaminate oyster beds off the coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and northwest Florida. These oyster beds are closed until the impact of Katrina can be determined.
Preliminary information shows there are seven cases from the Tuscaloosa area; two from the Birmingham area; two from the Montgomery area; one in Washington County; and one from Dallas County.
Hepatitis A affects the liver and has symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, fever and lack of both energy and appetite.
It can last several weeks but experts said it is rarely fatal.