UD freshman treated for hepatitis A

5:30 a.m., Sept. 29, 2005--An 18-year-old University of Delaware freshman is being treated for hepatitis A, and students who live on the same floor in his residence hall or who have had close contact with him are being offered a free preventive injection of immune globulin, according to Marjorie Postell of the state Division of Public Health.

This appears to be an isolated case related to the student's recent monthlong trip to Mexico, Postell said, and there have been no other known cases of hepatitis A virus reported on campus.

According to the Division of Public Health, the hepatitis A virus is spread by fecal-oral contact, and it is often carried by minute particles on an infected person's hands. The virus can be spread by direct contact or by placing something in the mouth that has been contaminated by an infected person. The best way to prevent the spread of the hepatitis A virus is careful hand washing after using the toilet, Dr. Joseph Siebold, director of Student Health Services at the University, said.

According to Siebold, the student came to Laurel Hall on Friday, Sept. 23, with jaundice and went home that same day to be treated by his family doctor. He was hospitalized but has since been released from the hospital and is recuperating at home.

The University was contacted Sept. 27 by the Delaware Division of Public Health after it was notified by the Pennsylvania Division of Public Health that the UD student had been diagnosed with hepatitis A.

On Sept. 28, the University contacted the 14 male students living on the same floor of the residence hall as the infected student and who may have shared the bathroom used by him. They were informed of the situation and offered a free injection of immune globulin, a concentrated solution of antibodies that is highly effective in preventing hepatitis A infections when administered within two weeks after exposure. The Division of Public Health will administer injections to these students on Sept. 29.

In addition, Siebold is making every effort to contact the parents of the 14 students to inform them of the situation.

Hepatitis A symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, fever, vomiting, dark urine and jaundice. Most persons recover in a few weeks without any complications, although some patients can be very sick.

For more information on hepatitis A, visit the Division of Public Health's web site at [www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/hepa.html] or call the Student Health Services in Laurel Hall at (302) 831-2226.

E-mail this article

To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here.