Puerto Rico public hospital faces Hepatitis A outbreak

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital is reporting an outbreak of hepatitis A.

The director of the island’s Medical Services Administration says at least 26 cases have been reported among employees at the Centro Medico in Rio Piedras. Irving Jimenez said Wednesday that it appears the employees all had bought food from an unlicensed street vendor.

Officials say that no patients so far have been infected.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that affects the liver and can be contracted through contaminated food or water. It can cause fatigue, vomiting and jaundice.

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