The county health agency was noted by the catering operation that one of its food handlers had been diagnosed with hepatitis A, which is highly contagious, but rarely fatal.

The food eaten by an estimated 3500 people including high-profile Sports Illustrated swimsuit models at 13 events may have been contaminated with hepatitis A. But Los Angles Times cited county officials as saying they have not received reports of any hepatitis A case so far connected to the Puck-catered events.

Health officials are investigating the situation and working closely with the management of the company to determine which patrons may be at risk.   Event hosts and the county health department are contacting people who ate uncooked food provided at four events between February 14 and February 20 as they might have been contaminated with hepatitis A.

People who ate food prepared after Feb 20 are not at risk of the food contamination, according to county officials who recommended those who may have been infected to receive immune globulin to prevent illness.   But the overall risk for contracting hepatitis A is low, they said.

Among the four events, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Party on Feb. 14 at the Pacific Design Center located at 8687 Melrose Avenue West Hollywood, California 90069 was the largest event.   People who attended the party and ate uncooked food there should seek medical attention to prevent the development of acute hepatitis A by Feb 28.

People who consumed food at the other three events in the last two weeks are being also contacted by their event hosts and the County Department of Public Health. They are being urged to contact their physician if they have not been immunized against hepatitis A or had the disease in the past.

People eating food at the Sports Illustrated party should get shots against hepatitis A no later than February 28 while other patrons should receive it as soon as possible, but no later than two weeks after possible exposure. The shots work within 14 days of exposure to hepatitis A virus.   Affected patrons can locate a clinic by calling the following information lines: 1-800-427-8700 or 211.

The affected food handler was also involved in food preparation for nine other events, which might also have affected by food tainted with hepatitis A virus.   But as more than 14 days passed, those patrons may not need any shot.

Officials said pre-packed foods served at restaurants or Express Cafes owned and operated by Wolfgang Puck or Wolfgang Puck are not contaminated by hepatitis A.

"The company has been exemplary in their response to this situation. Quick action on their part has minimized the number of patrons that may have been exposed to Hepatitis A. They have been fully cooperative," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Director of Public Health and County Health Officer.

Eating foods contaminated with Hepatitis A virus results in an illness with signs and symptoms including jaundice [yellow skin or eyes], fatigue, fever and chills, accompanied by abdominal pain or vomiting or diarrhea light color stool or dark urine.

"Prompt diagnosis will allow for IG to be given to close contacts of cases and will allow Public Health to identify and investigate cases of acute hepatitis A," said Laurene Mascola, MD, MPH, Chief, Acute Communicable Disease Control program in Public Health.

Wolfgang Puck Catering employees are receiving shots and health education about acute hepatitis A from the county health department, county officials said.

Hepatitis A virus is spread by close physical contact and through fecal contamination of food or drink. Close contacts, including household and sexual partners, are at risk for acquiring hepatitis A from an infected person. The incubation period is 2 to 7 weeks.

It is important to be diagnosed promptly so treatment can be given to close contacts to protect them from getting hepatitis A.

To prevent spreading of hepatitis A, thorough hand washing with soap and hot water after using the toilet and before handling food is the most important factor in preventing the spread of the disease, officials said.

Acknowledgement: The article contains content from a new release by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health