Gaming Attendees Warned of Hepatitis

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- As reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal: "Health officials are offering preventative shots to the estimated 650 people from Northern Nevada who attended a conference in Las Vegas where they might have been exposed to hepatitis-A.

"A worker at the Schwan's Food Co. booth who served free ice cream to attendees of the Global Gaming Expo the week of Sept. 12 learned he had hepatitis-A after the event, officials said.

"Although there is no treatment for hepatitis A, symptoms can be prevented if a person exposed to the virus receives gamma globulin within 14 days.

"The shot is not regularly stocked by physicians, and is being offered by the Washoe County District Health Department at 1001 E. Ninth St., building B, Reno. Only people who ate Schwan's ice cream samples are being offered the shot, which costs $28.

"...The health clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and Wednesday. The easiest entrance is from Wells Avenue north of Ninth Street..."