DURHAM — State health officials are investigating a potential outbreak of Hepatitis A which, according to Center for Disease Control officials, reportedly was caused by an infected volunteer who was serving food during a benefit dinner.
Just the one case — the source of the infection — so far has been reported, said state epidemiologist Dr. Stephen Sears.
The source of the outbreak, whose name has not been released, allegedly helped to prepare and serve food during a Sept. 28 benefit dinner hosted by the nonprofit community group Durham Friends.
The pig roast and harvest dinner was a fundraising event for Lisbon Area Christian Outreach, a local food pantry.
About 100 people attended the event, according to a notice posted Monday on the town’s website.
However, Sears said that only people who might have eaten food from the dinner are at risk of infection.
Hepatitis A affects the liver. Its symptoms include aches, abdominal pain, nausea, severe fatigue and possibly development of jaundice. It carries a four- to six-week incubation period. But vaccination immediately following suspected exposure can eliminate any symptoms, as well as contraction of the disease itself, Sears said.
“It’s not a very common condition, but we do see a handful of cases every year,” he added. “The important message is that unless people ate the food, they’re really not at risk.”
A free vaccination clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 1-4 p.m., at the Eureka Community Center, 605 Hallowell Road.
For more information, call the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 821-5821 or visit www.mainepublichealth.govhealth.gov.

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