Occurrence of Hepatitis A Among Food Handlers and Servers in Carmen Market

The study aimed to determine the occurrence of Hepatitis A infection among food handlers in the cafeteria and eatery of Carmen Public Market in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, as well as the risk factors in acquiring the infection and the significant relationship between the two. Blood samples were collected from thirty respondents. They were processed using an Anti-HAV kit and were examined for antibody against Hepatitis A by spectrophotometry. Survey questionnaires were also given to aid the researchers in obtaining its goals. Majority of the respondents were females. Out of the thirty respondents, there is no positive for Hepatitis A antibodies. This indicates all of the subjects are generally free from transmitting Hepatitis A virus. The results suggest that eating in the food stalls in Carmen Market, Cagayan de Oro City is safe since the food servers tested were negative from Hepatitis A. Moreover, no outbreaks of food poisoning are reported in this area which supports the result of the study.

Keywords:  Hepatitis, Food handlers, risk factors.