2 new cases of Hepatitis A confirmed in Hamilton Township, NJ

HAMILTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Health officials in New Jersey say that two new cases of Hepatitis A have been confirmed in Hamilton Township.

The first case was confirmed in a 53-year-old hair dresser - the second is a 60-year-old part-time fitness instructor who teaches mixed muscle fitness and cycling.

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

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

Both new 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.

Now health officials want patrons and staff at four other locations to be on alert after two new cases have been announced.

The fitness instructor teaches classes at the YMCA in Hamilton Township and the New Jersey Athletic Club in Lawrenceville. She also works at the Mercer County Board of Social Services in Trenton.

Anyone not previously vaccinated who was at those locations from December 5th through the 29th may be at risk.

The other new patient works at the Hair Port Salon in Hamilton Township. At risk there are any unvaccinated patrons and staff members who visited from December 4th through the 31st.

Health officials say employees and patrons of the salon are at a greater risk because the stylist shared the same restroom.

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.

Meanwhile, both recently diagnosed patients are recovering at home.

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