Citizen Times
by Staff reports
August 29, 2006

ASHEVILLE – Officials at the Buncombe County Health Center say they’ve given 190 shots of immune globulin to people as of 5:30 p.m. today to prevent the spread of hepatitis A after the virus was confirmed in two people, including one worker at the Biltmore Village restaurant Trevi Pasta Seafood & Pizza.

The health center urges anyone who ate at the restaurant between Aug. 17 and Aug. 25 to get the shot. Shots will be available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the health department.

The health center also said that anyone who received a hepatitis A vaccine more than four weeks prior to this potential exposure does not need to receive a shot. Hepatitis A vaccine is given as a two-part series to prevent the illness. The second vaccine is given six months after the first.

People who ate at Trevi before Aug. 17 should be free from exposure to this case of hepatitis, according to the health center. Anyone who experiences symptoms of hepatitis A should contact their doctor. Symptoms can include fever, chills, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), and dark urine. Symptoms appear within 15 –50 days, usually within 30 days, of exposure.

The center has established a recorded hotline for hepatitis information. The hotline number is 250-6400 and it will be updated as needed.