42 people now affected by hepatitis A outbreak
THE number of people being treated in an outbreak of hepatitis A has risen from nine to 42.
JB Christie bakery in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, closed temporarily after public health officials said people who had bought products at its outlets in the town and Coatbridge had fallen ill.
The bakery resumed trading on Tuesday after taking “additional control measures” and disposing of food stuffs which could transmit infection. NHS Lanarkshire said there are no health concerns regarding the food produced by the bakery.
It urged people to follow good hand hygiene and remain aware of the possible symptoms of hepatitis A.
Dr Femi Oshin, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health medicine, said: “While our investigations continue, we want to remind people that although the risk of contracting the infection is low, anyone who has experienced a flu-like illness, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, abdominal pains or jaundice should contact their GP or, if out of hours, contact NHS24 by dialling 111.
“The investigation and assessment at the bakery indicated that products produced and sold between Monday March 20 and Thursday April 13 may have been affected, which is why we are advising anyone who ate bakery products produced by JB Christie between these dates, and who experiences the above symptoms, to contact their GP or, if out of hours, contact NHS24 on 111.
“A helpline has been set up. The free phone number is 0800 028 2816 and it is open from 8am to 10pm daily.
“The bakery fully co-operated with our investigation and undertook additional control measures agreed by NHS Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Council, which enabled it to resume trading.”
Hepatitis A is a viral infection which affects the liver.
Of the people affected, almost all who needed hospital treatment are now back at home.