Infectious Fans

Written by Sydney Smith
Published September 11, 2003

The CDC has identified an outbreak of Hepatitis A this summer at outdoor music festivals featuring jam bands:

In July 2003, a cluster of hepatitis A cases was identified among young adults who had attended outdoor concert and camping events featuring various "jam bands." As of September 2, a total of 25 cases have been reported among residents of nine states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and Wisconsin). The majority of cases were among young adults who attended concerts during the spring and summer. The median age of infected persons was 23 years (range: 17--44 years); 14 (56%) were male.


Twenty-five cases does not a major epidemic make, but evidently they were concentrated among fans of three particular bands. The notice from the CDC doesn't identify the bands whose fans were hardest hit, but they worry that there will be more spread of disease this fall :

The three bands that infected persons most commonly followed completed their summer concert tours in early August. However, fall tours are scheduled to begin in September. Concert attendees are advised to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom and before eating; to cook their food and drink only potable water; and to avoid food or drugs that could have been prepared under unsanitary conditions or handled by an infected person.

Who would have ever thought that the CDC would be giving out advice on how to prepare recreational drugs. The sixties generation really is the establishment now.

Keep reading for information and comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own!
Infectious Fans
Published: September 11, 2003
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Section: Music
Filed Under: Music: News, Music: Rock
Writer: Sydney Smith
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Comments

#1 — September 11, 2003 @ 11:17AM — Eric Olsen

Ew, very important post Syd, thanks!

#2 — September 11, 2003 @ 12:48PM — BRICKLAYER

Q: What did the fans of the 3 jam bands say when they ran out of drugs?

A: Hey, this music sucks, and I think it gave me Hepatitis C!

#3 — September 11, 2003 @ 22:38PM — Natalie Davis [URL]

Very funny.

This news makes me very glad I stayed away from the jam fests this summer. Then again, I don't go anywhere without my own food and drink and a huge bottle of Purell. Twenty-plus years of Dead shows and all have taught me to be plenty prepared.

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