Hommocks Middle School in Mamaroneck cafeteria worker diagnosed with Hepatitis A

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- A Westchester school district is alerting parents that a cafeteria worker at one middle school was diagnosed with hepatitis A.

A letter sent to parents and employees from the Mamaroneck Union Free School District announced that a Hommocks Middle School cafeteria worker who worked for Aramark Food Service employee was diagnosed with Hepatitis A and is recovering.

"We have been working closely with the Westchester County Health Department, and the Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, has assured us that it is unlikely that anyone at the school would become ill as a result," the letter says.

The employee has not been in school for the past two weeks and is no longer showing symptoms, but the school is asking parents to watch their children for another month for any symptoms.

"School nurses have been instructed to keep a watchful eye for any student or staff member who may exhibit symptoms," the letter says.

It also describes hepatitis A symptoms as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea, and says that vaccination and hand-washing are the best protections.

"If you/your child develop these symptoms anytime from today through April 23, please do not send them to school and immediately notify the school nurse," the letter says.

County health officials are assuring the district that it's highly unlikely students would become ill as a result.

Vaccinations for hepatitis are not required for school, but officials say getting a vaccination is the best protection.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can be spread through close contact.

There is a vaccination for the illness, but it is not required for school admission.