California : IN BRIEF : SAN MATEO COUNTY : Infected Inmate Raises Health Fear

More than 800 San Mateo County jail inmates, plus staff and earthquake volunteers, had to be immunized over the weekend after authorities discovered that an inmate infected with hepatitis had prepared their food. County health authorities set up weekend clinics offering globulin shots to provide antibodies against hepatitis-A to all who may have been exposed to the contagious disease during the previous week--the inmate’s most infectious period. The prisoner used his hands while fixing sandwiches, salads and juices, exposing the entire jail population as well as about 80 jail personnel and an undetermined number of earthquake volunteers who worked out of the county Hall of Justice one day last week, county public health officials said. Health officials also worked to track down inmates who may have been exposed to the illness, but who were released before Friday.