Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Hep A,Hepatitis A,Our Blog on February 18, 2025
A hepatitis A exposure at University of Wisconsin prompted mass notification this month. A student working in food service at the University of Wisconsin Madison’s Rheta dining hall potentially exposed up to 4,000 students and staff.
Here’s what we know about the hepatitis A exposure at University of Wisconsin and what to do if you may have been exposed or become sick.
Students and staff received a scary email last week, notifying them of a serious threat to their health. According to the message that went out to 4,000 students and staff who may have visited the dining facility during the food worker’s infectious period, they may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.
A food worker at Rheta’s Market on campus was diagnosed with a hepatitis A virus infection. This student worked at the dining hall during their infectious period and may have exposed countless people during that time.
According to officials, the dining hall underwent thorough cleaning by the facility’s Environment, Health, and Safety team.
The restaurant has since been cleared to reopen with minimal risk to patrons.
“The diagnosed student will not return to work until they are medically cleared,” UHS Director Jack Baggott said in an email. “This process is standard and aims to cover a wide net of potential exposures out of an abundance of caution.”
Hepatitis A is the illness associated with infection with Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). It is an RNA virus that primarily infects humans and can stay in the environment for months. It can survive at low pH levels, even when frozen. Few things can inactivate the virus. Only high temperatures (185 °F or higher), formalin, and chlorine are known to kill the virus.
This is why a thorough cleaning is necessary following an exposure event.
It is pretty contagious!
Hepatitis A infection, like the Hepatitis A Exposure at University of Wisconsin Rheta dining hall, is passed through what is called fecal-oral transmission.
Around 10 to 12 days after infection, the virus is present in the blood. It is then excreted via the biliary system into the host’s feces.
The virus spreads when an infected person is shedding the virus and does not properly wash their hands after bathroom activities.
When microscopic traces of feces are transferred to food, and that contaminated food is consumed, there is a chance for the virus to spread. High touch areas, such as counters, writing utensils, and door handles can also contribute to the spread of infection, especially if the unsuspecting person does not wash their hands prior to eating or touching their mouth.
These items are included in mitigating cleaning activities.
A person is most contagious during the two weeks before they even know they are sick. While still infectious, the amount of virus that is shed by the infected person begins to decline after seven to ten days from original symptoms. Most people are no longer infectious after three weeks.
It can take up around 28 days from exposure for symptoms to appear. However, Hepatitis A has a rather wide incubation period range spanning anywhere from 15 days up to 50 days.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A infection come on fairly strong and often persist up to two months. In some cases, however, these symptoms may last for up to six months and over several relapses. The virus may continue to shed and be infectious during relapse or prolonged illness.
Symptoms in adults may include:
Young children, on the other hand, almost always show no symptoms at all. In fact, studies have shown that about 70% of children younger than 6 years are asymptomatic. In contrast, about 70% of older children and adults experience jaundice and/or other symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is no true treatment for Hepatitis A. Health care providers focus on treating symptoms and preventing further spread until the virus has run its course.
Hydration and monitoring the liver, along with other symptoms is the only course of action.
Hepatitis A is a unique illness, in that an exposed person can benefit from vaccination even AFTER exposure.
In fact, if the vaccine is administered promptly and at a minimum of two weeks after exposure, there is a significant likelihood that the individual will not become sick.
Certain groups of people who are at higher risk for infection or more severe illness may also benefit from coadministration of IG, a type of immunoglobulin that helps the body to develop a protective level of antibodies.
Talk to your healthcare provider about IG administration if you are:
Post exposure Hepatitis A vaccination is very effective. More than 95% of adults and 97% of children/adolescents will develop protective antibodies within 4 weeks of a single dose. For full protection, an additional dose should be administered six months later.
According to the email, University Health Services is available for medical services and advice. Those who may have been exposed are encouraged to seek additional information on hepatitis A from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or University Health Services.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Vaccination (if you are not already vaccinated) can reduce your risk of illness.
Did you consume food from the University of Wisconsin’s Rheta dining hall and subject to the potential Hepatitis A exposure at University of Wisconsin Madison? You may have a legal case.
Contact the experienced Hepatitis A Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm. They are experienced at helping people through situations just like this.
The Lange Law Firm offers free consultations and can help you explore your legal rights. Reach out for your free consultation by phone at (833) 330-3663 or click here to email.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)