2,000 get free hepatitis shots

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Feb. 23, 2007, 11:26PM2,000 get free hepatitis shots

More than 2,000 people received free antibody shots to fight off hepatitis A after learning an employee at a north County Pappasito's Cantina was infected with the disease, county health officials said.

County Public Health and Environmental Services had issued a health advisory for any customers who had eaten at the restaurant since late January.

People exposed to hepatitis A can be treated with antibodies, but they must receive shots no later than two weeks after exposure.

Nearly 2,300 showed up at a three-day clinic hosted by the county Health Department. Of those 2,020 received the free immune globulin shot.

There is no cure for hepatitis A, a liver infection, but most people do not develop major long-term health problems. Many recover on their own.

The Pappasito's employee no longer works at the 15280 North Freeway restaurant.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/health/4578204.html