More Exposed To Hepatitis A Risk At NY Church
MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y. (AP/ CBS 2) -- Health officials said more people may have been exposed to hepatitis A while receiving communion at a Long Island church.
The Nassau County Health Department earlier this week said anyone who received communion at either the 10:30 a.m. or noon Masses at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Massapequa Park on Christmas Day may have been exposed.
On Thursday they said parishioners at the 1:30 p.m. Mass that day, as well as five Masses the following day also may have been exposed. A person distributing communion is suspected of having the disease, although officials have declined to ID anyone, citing privacy concerns.
Health officials will return to the church on Friday, offering vaccines to anyone who may have been exposed.
"We've been going to mass for years and years, never had a problem, never expected a problem," Leo Fabrizio said.
"It's very upsetting. We are old and we take medication," Peggy Fabrizio added.
Others took it in stride.
"It's not that serious the type-A hepatitis, but I figured I'd come and get the shot," Barbara Smith said.
The disease is rarely fatal and most people recover in a few weeks without any complications.
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