State briefs for July 30

Strong quake hits off Northern Mariana Islands in Pacific

HONOLULU (AP) — Authorities say a strong earthquake has hit off the coast of the Northern Mariana Islands near Saipan in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Friday at a depth of 117 miles (188 kilometers). The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says there’s no threat of a destructive Pacific tsunami and no danger to Hawaii, Alaska or the West Coast of the U.S.

There are no initial reports of damage or injuries on the Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth of the U.S. Saipan is the capital and the largest island in the archipelago.

Oahu bakery worker confirmed to have Hepatitis A

HONOLULU (AP) — The latest food service employee who has tested positive for Hepatitis A on Oahu works in a Costco bakery, according to state health officials.

Hawaii Kai Costco is notifying 2,700 customers who bought baked goods from June 16 to June 20 they may have been exposed to the disease. Health officials say the likelihood of patrons becoming infected is low, but are advising anyone who has consumed the bakery products from those dates to contact their health care provider.

The Costco worker is one of 93 adults who have been infected with the virus after being exposed on Oahu. The Hawaii Health Department has also confirmed infections of employees of a Baskin-Robbins ice cream store, a Taco Bell and a sushi restaurant.

Twenty-nine of those affected since the outbreak began in mid-June have required hospitalization.

Officials have not yet identified the source of the outbreak, which is the worst the islands have seen in nearly two decades.

Hepatitis A can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting months. It’s usually spread when a person ingests contaminated fecal matter.

Symptoms of the disease can include fever, fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.