They’re taking this seriously; we’re not

February 28th, 2007 | Posted by PostmanE

Ah, the Swimsuit Issue. Models everywhere. Sun-soaked beaches. Models everywhere.

Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A?!?!

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Guests at Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue party on Feb. 14 and a dozen other events may have been exposed to Hepatitis A, which was diagnosed in an employee of Wolfgang Puck Catering, authorities said Tuesday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health urged anyone who ate raw food at the Sports Illustrated event, held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, to receive an immune globulin shot by Wednesday.

Oh dear. That’s not good. Here’s SI’s little take on the whole deal.

We’re taking the situation very seriously and have been working directly with the Los Angeles County Public Health Department since we were notified earlier this evening; we know our caterer for the event is doing the same. We are alerting our guests and staff as quickly as possible to ensure they receive the relevant health warnings. The health of our guests and staff is our highest priority.

While we’ve been advised this is a low risk situation, we’re strongly urging our guests and staff to follow the department’s recommendation to consult a physician to receive an immune globulin (IG) immunization in the next 24 hours. Detailed information from the county including clinics available for IG treatment can be accessed at www.lapublichealth.org.

We will continue to work with L.A. County Public Health officials to ensure an effective and timely response to this situation.

Sometimes, you don’t even need to write a joke, don’t even need to be snarky. Sometimes, things just … come together.

Also, let’s all hope Marisa there is OK. This hepatitis thing is already frightening enough; the last thing we need is one of our national treasures bedridden.