A food service worker in Contoocook has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday afternoon.



Dr. José Montero, the DHHS's director of public health, updated the media on the situation at a 2 p.m. press conference. He said the food service worker is a bartender who works at the American Legion and the Covered Bridge Restaurant in Contoocook.



Vaccination clinics will be held starting this weekend for anyone who may have visited the locations where the food service worker is employed. Montero said he estimates that between 600 and 1,000 people probably were at the two establishments during the timeframe.



According to MayoClinic.com, hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that is most often contracted from contaminated food or water or from close contact with someone who is already infected. Mild cases of hepatitis A don't require treatment, and most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage.



Anyone who needs more information can contact the DHHS directly at 1-800-562-8236.