Viruses

Question 1

Hepatitis A

Answer 1

Type of Illness: Viral infection
Symptoms: Fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, swelling of the liver, jaundice
Onset: 10 to 50 days; a mild case usually lasts several weeks, more severe cases can last several months
Common Foods: raw and lightly cooked oysters and clams harvested from polluted waters; raw vegetables that have been irrigated or washed with polluted water; foods prepared with contact by infected employee including salads, sliced luncheon meats, salad bar items, sandwiches, bakery products; contaminated water
Prevention: Buy clams, oysters, and molluscan shellfish from approved sources; keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate during storage and display; handle foods properly and cook them to recommended temperatures, wash hands and practice good personal hygiene.

Question 2

Norwalk virus

Answer 2

Type of Illness: Viral infection
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, low-grade fever
Onset 24 to 48 hours, usually lasts 1 to 3 days
Common Foods: Sewage-contaminated water, contaminated salad ingredient; raw clams, oysters; foods contaminated by infected food employees
Prevention: Use potable water, cook all shellfish; handle food properly, meet time, temperature guidelines for PHF; practice good personal hygiene and wash hands and fingernails thoroughly; keep raw and ready-to-eat seafood products separate.