Protecting families from contaminated food and water
All fields are required
Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Hep A,Hepatitis A,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on February 4, 2026
Bear River Health Department (BRHD) is investigating a hepatitis A outbreak in Cache and Box Elder County. A recent uptick in these viral cases has prompted investigators to actively monitor the situation and notify the public of the trend while offering prevention and prophylactic information.
How many people have been impacted so far? How is hepatitis A spread? Does vaccination help?
Let’s explore!
BRHD warns residents of an uptick in hepatitis A cases. At least three confirmed infections within a five-day period raised the alarm.
“At this time, BRHD has identified a small number of cases. We are actively monitoring the situation and focusing on prevention to protect community health,” said a statement on the Department’s website.
Local health authorities are promoting a stance of prevention, vaccination, and rigorous hand hygiene.
Hepatitis is a type of liver inflammation caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus.
Since the inception of the hepatitis A vaccine recommendations in 1996, hepatitis A cases have shown a marked decline in the United States. But the problem has not been entirely eradicated. A number of outbreaks have been reported in recent years. This hepatitis A outbreak in Cache and Box Elder County just happens to be the latest.
While most of these outbreaks are related to food exposure, food is not the only vehicle. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through blood or sexual fluids.
The virus spreads from one infected person to another. It makes its way into the stool and blood of an infected person. Hepatitis A can be present in the body and even spread before the infected person begins to feel sick. Making it dangerous and highly transmissible.
Hepatitis A virus is shed in the feces (poop) of someone infected with the virus. Like most foodborne illnesses it spreads through what is known as fecal-oral route.
It doesn’t take much “residue” to spread hepatitis A virus. Even microscopic traces too small for the eyes to see and undetectable by taste or smell is enough.
You would have no idea if the food you consumed was contaminated.
But how does this contamination occur?
Food can become contaminated with hepatitis A through stool or blood at any point in the food supply chain.
This includes:
Contamination can also take place at any point during preparation, serving, or point of sale at a food establishment.
Even if the infected employee worked in an administrative position and did not handle food, there could still be exposure risk.
Ineffective or absent handwashing after bathroom activities could leave trace amounts of virus on surfaces throughout the restaurant. Commonly touched doors, menus, countertops, etc. may have been contaminated with hepatitis A virus.
Infected food handlers still remain a serious exposure event risk.
Fortunately, vaccination reduces risk of hepatitis A spread. Even if the vaccine is administered AFTER exposure.
That’s right! Hepatitis A is one of the few foodborne illnesses that a prophylactic vaccination can help prevent infection.
The hepatitis A vaccine is most effective if administered within two weeks of exposure. So prompt action is necessary.
Depending on your age and health, a healthcare provider may also recommend administering immune globulin (IG) in addition to the vaccine. This helps to increase its effectiveness. This is because IG is made from blood and contains antibodies primed to help your body fight a potential infection.
A second dose should be administered six months later.
Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food, using the restroom or helping someone in the restroom, or changing a diaper to reduce the spread of hepatitis A. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective against many different pathogens. However, these sanitizers do not work for hepatitis A. There is no good substitute for hand washing.
Thoroughly heating food can denature the virus enough to render it harmless. Making it the most effective way of preventing the spread of hepatitis A. Cook food to a minimum of 180 °F for best results.
Not everyone infected with the hepatitis A virus will be symptomatic. In fact, most children do not experience symptoms at all. Even if someone with hepatitis A does not show symptoms, they may still be infectious while shedding the virus.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms often begin around two to seven weeks after exposure. Most of the time, people feel better in less than two months, however some may remain sick for as long as six months.
If you believe you have been exposed, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Get vaccinated to reduce your risk of contracting the viral infection.
If you have not been diagnosed with hepatitis A and are still feeling well, BRHD says you can continue with your normal work, school, or social activities.
However, “anyone diagnosed with hepatitis A should follow their healthcare provider’s guidance and avoid preparing food for others.”
If you believe you have been exposed to hepatitis A, you should monitor yourself for hepatitis A symptoms for up to 50 days following exposure.
It is a good idea to seek advice from an experienced hepatitis A exposure attorney.
If you have been exposed to hepatitis A in Cache and Box Elder County and wish to make a claim, the experienced hepatitis A lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help you navigate the complicated legal process. They have helped many families with cases just like yours.
Call (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation or click the online submission form to go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case. Don’t wait. Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)