Bishop Strickland Contracts Hepatitis A

TYLER (Staff/AP) — Bishop Joseph E. Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler has been diagnosed as suffering from hepatitis A. KETK reports Bishop Strickland attended Bishops’ School for newly ordained Catholic bishops in Rome in September and contracted the disease at that time. Bishop John Folda of the Fargo Catholic Diocese in North Dakota, who was also in attendance, has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A as well. According to the Facebook page for Tyler’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the cause was contaminated food. The page says, “Bishop Strickland is doing well, but will be taking extended time off to recover.”

On his return to Tyler in late September, Bishop Strickland continued his pastoral duties throughout the Diocese, unaware of his exposure, according to officials. When he began to experience flu-like symptoms in mid-October, he took himself off duty and sought medical care. Vicar General Bishop Edmond Carmody has been filling in for Strickland during his absence. Bishop Strickland is now said to be feeling much better and responding to medical treatment. The Diocese asks the community to keep Bishop Strickland in their prayers.

Dusty Gonzalez with the Northeast Texas Public Health District offered the following information:

The virus can cause serious liver problems, usually transmitted through exposure with an infected person, or through contaminated food or drinks.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice.

Symptoms can take 15 to 50 days to appear.

People who develop symptoms are urged to consult a doctor.

It is not recommended that people without symptoms get tested.

Frequent hand-washing is essential to prevent spreading of the disease