23 Sickened In Hepatitis A Outbreak At Mendham Twp. Golf Club

MENDHAM, NJ — More than 20 people have been infected with Hepatitis A after a Mendham golf club employee came to work sick, New Jersey Department of Health Officials said.

The outbreak stems from the Mendham Golf and Tennis Club, where officials say a food handler is the source. The employee was likely infectious at work between June 9 and June 20. Several secondary cases have since been reported, health officials said.

In total, 23 people have been infected, officials said. One of those people is "seriously ill."

The food handler had been following all hand hygiene and glove use rules, but will not be allowed back to work without medical clearance.

Club members were notified around July 5, and all unvaccinated people who may have been exposed were told to get post-exposure prophylaxis by July 14. Secondary cases may develop until Aug. 19, which is 50 days from when the food handler was last infectious.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease, which can cause fever, stomach pain, dark yellow urine, and jaundice. Most people recover within a few weeks, but it can be serious in some people.

It is highly contagious among people who have not been vaccinated.