Health officials report no new cases of hepatits A in western Pa.

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- For the first time since state officials discovered a hepatitis A outbreak linked to tainted green onions served at a Mexican restaurant in western Pennsylvania nearly two months ago, the state health department reported no new cases.
The Pennsylvania Health Department has been updating the number of reported cases of the liver virus weekly. There have been no new cases reported since Dec. 17, when the totals were last updated, said Richard McGarvey, a state health department spokesman.
All told, 650 people were infected by eating or coming in contact with patrons or workers at a Chi-Chi's restaurant in the Beaver Valley Mall, about 45 miles southeast of Youngstown.
Ten of those cases were so-called secondary cases, or people who got sick from having contact with others who ate or worked at the restaurant.
Three people died of complications from the disease.
This week also marked the end of the 50-day incubation period for hepatitis A, meaning there likely won't be more cases among people who ate at the restaurant. Secondary cases are still possible, however, McGarvey said.
Between 125,000 to 200,000 people each year contract hepatitis A, which attacks the liver. It can be spread by an infected person who does not wash his hands before handling food or utensils. It can also be spread on uncooked foods, such as salads.
Symptoms include fever, nausea, diarrhea, jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Hepatitis A usually clears up in about two months, but patients can get antibody shots that greatly reduce the chances of contracting the disease if given within 14 days after exposure.