State officials in North Dakota are warning Catholics who received Holy Communion from Bishop John Folda, between September 27 and October 7, to be aware of symptoms of Hepatitis A.
Bishop Folda contracted hepatitis from contaminated food while in Italy last month for a conference of newly ordained bishops, Aliceyn Magelky, spokeswoman for the diocese, said on Friday.
Unaware of his condition, Bishop Folda distributed Holy Communion at four churches, including a Mass at a convention of priests, .
“He feels terrible about it,” Magelky said.
“He did not know when coming back that he had contracted the virus or he would have refrained from participating in Mass much sooner.”
Magelky said Bishop Folda is feeling better and has not been infectious since October 16, but is still not on a full work schedule.
“The risk of people getting hepatitis A in this situation is low, but the department of health felt it was important for people to know about the possible exposure,” said Molly Howell, a spokesperson for the North Dakota Department of Health.
“I’m not too worried about getting hepatitis,” Terry Pennebaker a St Mary’s Parishioner told WDAY TV.
“We’re praying for him”.
Generally, Hepatitis A is spread from person-to-person by sharing food and drink. It affects the liver and could ultimately lead to failure of the internal organs if not treated properly.
The health scare may continue for some time as the incubation period for hepatitis A ranges from 15 to 51 days.
Sources
- Reuters
- HipHop Wired
- WDAY TV
- Image: NY Post