University of Wisconsin-Madison’s University Health Services (UHS) sent out an email to 4,000 students and staff Friday afternoon regarding a potential hepatitis A exposure linked to campus dining facility Rheta’s Market.
UHS identified a case of hepatitis A in a student who worked in food service at Rheta’s Market, a dining hall on campus, according to the email sent to possibly affected individuals. The student was infectious while working, prompting the university to contact all campus members who may have visited Rheta’s Market during the infectious period and until the facility underwent thorough cleaning by the Environment, Health and Safety team.
Officials have since cleared Rheta’s Market to resume normal operations.
“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 a contagious viral liver disease which can be caused by the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms can range from mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe illness persisting for months.
The virus spreads primarily through the ingestion of contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection and is recommended for children, teens and adults who have not previously been vaccinated or infected.
UHS is providing guidance to those potentially exposed and has made 24/7 medical services advice available through the weekend. Students and staff are encouraged to seek additional information on hepatitis A from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or UHS.
Students who believe they may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and abdominal pain and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Staff writer Julia Walkowicz contributed reporting to this story.
