A worker in a deli department in a Skowhegan, ME. Walmart store was apparently handling food while infected with Hepatitis A. Customers were accordingly advised of potential exposure if they purchased products from the counter between May 7th and May 21st. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the case and has advised on vaccination that is effective within 14 days of probable exposure.

It is recommended that all employees of restaurants should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, given the number of cases that are investigated each year in the U.S. Infected workers shedding virus who are involved in food preparation and handling are frequently diagnosed after many customers may have been exposed.  Experience has shown that requiring personal hygiene does not necessarily prevent infections.  Traceback of hepatitis is complicated by the relatively extended incubation period in comparison to some bacterial infections including salmonellosis. The long incubation period for listeriosis may also represent a problem of identifying the source with subsequent trace-back but this is an infection independent of food handlers.