Lindsay Devick –
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Knox County Health Department recently provided support to East Tennessee Regional Health Office to help offer treatment after an outbreak of Hepatitis A threatened Campbell County.
The ETRO stepped in to offer antibodies called immune serum globulin to restaurant patrons who were potentially exposed to Hepatitis A after an employee was suspected of handling uncooked foods without washing her hands.
“The IsG shot provides a dose of antibodies that boosts your immune system to fight off the virus,” Sandy Halford, assistant director for ETRO, said. “The shot is especially important for people with weakened immune systems.”

Within three days, approximately 4,500 people were treated with antibodies, Halford said. The IsG shots must be administered within 14 days of exposure to Hepatitis A, and so far no symptoms have been reported from any of the restaurant customers.
“Once you are exposed, it takes 30 days to come out with flu symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and jaundice,” Halford said.
Charity Menesee, public information officer for the Knoxville Health Department, said that the two organizations took similar precautions when an outbreak of Hepatitis A occurred recently in Knox County.
“Anytime there is a need for either side, we work together for the greater good of the public,” Menessee said. “It’s just a precaution you have to take to make sure the patrons are protected.”
The ETHO and KCHD also paired up when responding to evacuees coming to Knoxville after being displaced from Hurricane Katrina.
“The ETRO helped us give shots for any medical screening due to exposure from the Hurricane, or to get prescriptions filled for people that needed them,” Menessee added.
According to the National Institute of Health Web site, Hepatitis A is a liver disease usually spread by close personal contact. About 15 percent of people infected with the virus will have prolonged symptoms, or experience relapses for up to nine months after initially being exposed, such as fatigue.
While there is no cure for Hepatitis A, a vaccine is available to reduce symptoms and infection. In rare cases, the patient can experience chronic liver damage if the virus is not treated efficiently.
In order to prevent passing the virus from person to person, the National Institute of Health recommends always washing hands after using the bathroom, especially in restaurants.