On March 21, the Nassau County Department of Health reported a case of typhoid fever in a New York City resident working at Hicksville pizzeria/restaurant. According to health officials, a male who worked as a food handler at the North Broadway Mama Sbarro's, contracted the bacterial infection.

Based upon interviews with the patient and the inspection of the restaurant, the Nassau Health Department believes that the risk to the public is low, however, all individuals who patronized Mama Sbarro's between Friday, March 14 and Sunday, March 16 should be aware of their risk for contracting typhoid fever. Because those persons who ate at the restaurant between the abovementioned dates may have been exposed, the Nassau County Department of Health strongly advises them to carefully wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after food preparation. It is also important to use separate towels when drying hands.

On March 21, the health department conducted an unannounced inspection of the restaurant and did not find any violations of the health code that would contribute to the spread of typhoid fever. All employees were found to be using gloves when preparing foods. The health department will continue to check the restaurant to make sure all food continues to be handled in a safe manner and that workers are checked for signs and symptoms of the illness. If any signs are found, they are immediately excluded from work.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract and occasionally the bloodstream. Bacteria are passed in the feces and, to some extent, the urine of infected people. The germs are spread by eating or drinking water or foods contaminated by feces from the infected individual. Symptoms of typhoid fever may be mild or severe and may include fever, headache, constipation or diarrhea, rose-color spots on the trunk and an enlarged spleen and liver. Symptoms generally appear one to three weeks after exposure and cases can be treated with specific antibiotics. Fatalities are less than one percent with antibiotic treatment. Individuals with symptoms of typhoid fever should contact their physicians or health care providers.

In 2007, there were seven Nassau County residents reported with typhoid fever; none of whom were employed as food workers. This is the first case reported in 2008. Most cases are acquired during foreign travel to underdeveloped countries.

Nassau County Department of Health is working collaboratively with New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the New York State Department of Health. Additionally, the restaurant is working cooperatively with the health department. For additional information, call the Nassau County Department of Health at 227-9700 or visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.