By Kay Lazar
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
State health officials are closely monitoring a jump in the number of hepatitis A cases after two infected restaurant workers in the past two weeks forced mass inoculation clinics for patrons, including one yesterday in downtown Boston that drew more than 800.
“Normally we have 10 to 20 reported cases a month, but we are running about 50 a month,” said Dr. Alfred DeMaria, director of communicable disease control for the state’s Department of Public Health.
Boston Public Health spokeswoman Kristin O’Connor said they gave more than 850 immune globin injections by early evening, and are planning another free clinic today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Shrine on Arch Street for any patrons who ate at Quiznos Sub shop on Summer Street between June 17 and 19.
Quiznos officials say about 600 patrons ate there during the days an infected employee, a new hire, was at work.
“Who knew lunch could be so dangerous,” joked Colleen Johnston, 25, a Watertown resident who lined up for a shot because she ate a turkey sandwich at the Boston shop June 17.
Many in line yesterday said they couldn’t remember exactly when they ate at Quiznos, but showed up for a shot to be safe.
Hepatitis A is rarely fatal but can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and fatigue. It takes between 15 and 50 days for people to get sick after being exposed to the virus, and the inoculation can head off the illness if given within two weeks after exposure.
Earlier this month, thousands lined up for shots in Arlington after a worker at a Friendly’s restaurant there came down with the virus.