Hundreds of churchgoers who received holy communion may have been exposed to hepatitis A on Christmas day at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Massapequa Park, Long Island, New York. Nassau County health officials announced that those who went to Masses in the same church on Christmas day may also have been exposed.

Because of privacy concerns, church and healthcare officials could not provide specific details on the source of the potential infection. A member of the congregation who was involved in the communion process tested positive for hepatitis A.

People who believe they may have been exposed to hepatitis A will be able to receive vaccines at the church this week.

According to local media, Our Lady of Lourdes has approximately 7,500 parishioners.

Nassau County Health Department says that the risk of infection is low.

Vaccines will be offered on: Tuesday, January 4, 3pm to 8pm Wednesday, January 5, 9am to 3pm In a communiqué, Nassau County Health Department wrote:

"Individuals exposed to hepatitis A should receive immune globulin (IG) or a hepatitis A vaccination within 2 weeks of exposure to a person who is contagious with hepatitis A infection. Individuals who have been vaccinated for hepatitis A or who have had the illness in the past are protected from hepatitis A infections, and there is no need for further action." Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is inflammation of the liver caused by HAV (hepatitis A virus). The virus is typically transmitted from human-to-human via food/drink that has been contaminated with a person's stool (feces) - fecal-oral transmission.

The virus is more likely to spread where sanitary conditions or personal hygiene habits are poor. The virus does not spread by casual contact, such as touching an infected person or being near them.

Anal-oral contact during sex can also be a cause.

Symptoms may include: Fever Stomach pain Dark urine Jaundice Nausea Loss of appetite Most people infected with Hepatitis A make a full recovery within a few weeks.

Source: Nassau County Health Department