Sanitary District: Bus passengers heading to Boise may have been exposed to hepatitis A

BOISE, Idaho – The Central District of Health warns of possible exposure to hepatitis A in a Greyhound bus heading to Boise.

All bus passengers – who have traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah to Boise on Wednesday, April 10 – using the onboard washroom are asked to contact the health department as soon as possible at 208-327-8625. Runners who have not used the toilets on the bus do not need to call.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease that affects the liver. It is spread by entering the mouth after touching an object or consuming food or water contaminated with the virus. If an infected patient does not wash their hands properly after using the toilet, the virus can be transmitted from that person's hands to other surfaces or to the food that he touches.

MORE: Health Officials Warn of Peak Hepatitis A in Boise Region

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, mild fever, pale stools and dark urine, joint pain and yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for months.

Motorists who were on the way should call the health department so that staff can assess the risk of exposure. Anyone exposed could get protection from the virus if they receive a vaccine by Tuesday, April 23.