Charity groups fear becoming infected with Hepatitis A

There’s a growing concern in El Centro over the first case of Hepatitis A, fear of an outbreak similar to the one happening in San Diego that’s killed 16 people and has put over 400 hundred in the hospital, so far.

Imperial Valley College Student Angel Rodriguez said, “It makes me concerned with it reaching the imperial valley definitely.”

Church volunteer Robyn Alvarez said, “Of course, there’s concerns, but I’m praying that God will keep his hand upon me, protect me, and…”

Spread the Love Founder Jessica Solorio said, “It scares me. It should scare everybody. It could happen to anyone. You don’t even have to be dealing with the homeless and can catch it.”

Solorio said her office is getting calls from people asking how they can protect themselves from infection.

“I’ve had a couple of churches and also some individuals contact us and ask us what they should do to prevent themselves and their family or their congregation from getting infected,” Solorio said.

She her office staff is not taking any chances when it comes to prevention.

“We’re taking extra precaution with us and also the homeless, teaching them to sanitize their hands, wash their hands as much as they can. I’ve asked them all to get vaccinated,” Solorio said.

Spread the Love President Maricella Moreno said, “I myself went and got the vaccine. Also, I got my family get it, as well, because my son does also help out and volunteer here at the center.”

They insist the outbreak is not stopping their work.

“No, I don’t think so. I just think we need to have – just take precaution and making sure that we wash our hands properly, carry hand sanitizer wherever we go and make sure you get the shot.”

Solorio said it’s good to be concerned.

“And they should be. If they’re not worried, they should be,” Solorio said.

“I’ll definitely be aware to advise my friends and family to definitely be more cautious with that,” Rodriguez said.