The Chief Health Officer has issued an alert for anyone who’s eaten at the Aladdin Indian Restaurant in Manuka between 3 and 21 March 2011.

“A food handler who worked at the restaurant while unknowingly infectious was diagnosed with Hepatitis E late last week.”

“While the risk of transmission is estimated to be very low, I would like to advise people who ate at the restaurant between 3 and 21 March to seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms of Hepatitis.” Dr Kelly said.

Symptoms usually develop 15 to 60 days after exposure to the virus and therefore it is possible that patrons may develop symptoms from late March until late May 2011.

“Typical signs and symptoms of Hepatitis include loss of appetite, abdominal pain and tenderness, nausea and vomiting, fever, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).” Dr Kelly stated.

CHO Paul Kelly advises there is no current risk to eating at the restaurant.