San Diego Hepatitis A Toll Rises To 14 Cases

According to a news release from the County of San Diego, there are now 14 cases of hepatitis A that appear to be linked to the La Mesa location of Chipotle's. None of the restaurant's employees have tested positive for the virus so far.

Hepatitis A virus can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, or via the "fecal-oral" route as a result of poor personal hygiene. Individuals who are infected with the virus, but who have not yet started to suffer from symptoms, can shed the virus unknowingly. Those convalescing from an infection may continue to shed the virus for a time after their symptoms have disappeared.

If you have eaten at the La Mesa Chipotle's at any time since March 1st and are experiencing any symptoms of hepatitis A infection, consult your doctor or call the San Diego County Epidemiology Branch at (619) 515-6620. For information on immunization against hepatitis A, check with the HHSA Immunizations Branch at (619) 692-8661.