Questions:
(1) Is the food handler able to shed viral hepatitis A?
(2) Is the food handler likely to have exposed others?
(3) Did a person have a significant exposure to the food handler?
(4) Is immunoprophylaxis likely to be effective?
The food handler is able to spread if positive for IgM anti-HAV.
Risk factors for exposing others:
(1) poor personal hygiene
(2) diarrhea
(3) a medical condition that made maintaining hygiene difficult
(4) poor compliance with handwashing
(5) not wearing gloves when handling food
(6) handled food that is not cooked or food after it has been cooked.
Significant exposure:
(1) coworker in food handling establishment
(2) a patron who had repeated food exposures
(3) a patron who had a significant exposure to the food handler
Immune globulin prophylaxis is effective if given <= 2 weeks of the exposure. Prophylaxis is not given if the exposure was > 2 weeks.
