Another confirmed case of Hepatitis A in New Jersey

HAMILTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Another Hepatitis A case is being reported by a person who ate at the same restaurant in Hamilton Township.

Robbinsville Township health officials say the resident ate at Rosa's Restaurant on 3442 South Broad Street during the time when a food handler reported having Hepatitis A.

The patient works in Hamilton Township. However, health officials say coworkers at the job only have a negligible risk.

The first case of Hepatitis A was confirmed last month in a worker at Rosa's. In light of that, the township hosted a vaccination clinic at a local firehouse.

Then last week health officials announced two additional cases - a 53-year-old hair dresser and a 60-year-old part-time fitness instructor.

Both women reportedly thought they had the flu before they were diagnosed with Hepatitis A.

All three patients ate at Rosa's in November while the employee worked there, but health officials say they can't definitively link the new cases to the first.

Hepatitis A is spread through oral fecal transmission. It's rarely fatal, but it is highly contagious, and symptoms can appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure.

"The message is always personal hygiene, wash your hands no matter what you do," said Jeff Plunkett, Hamilton Township health officer.

Any unvaccinated Hamilton Township residents may contact their primary care provider or the Hamilton Township Division of Health at 609-890-3884 for more information.

The early signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A appear 2-6 weeks after exposure and commonly include the following:

-Mild fever

-Loss of appetite

-Nausea

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea/ "Clay-colored" stool

-Tiredness

-Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen under the rib cage

-Dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)

For more information Hepatitis A and its symptoms visit: www.cdc.org