The Catholic ritual of communion has parishioners eating bread and wine, said to be the transformed body and blood of Jesus Christ.  Though a common ritual, Catholic churchgoers in North Dakota may have been experiencing an uncommon result – hepatitis A, reports CBS News.  Bishop John Folda was in Italy in September and contracted hepatitis A from contaminated foods.  During the end of September and beginning of October, he attended mass at four churches.  On October 10, he began showing symptoms of the viral disease.

According to Fox News, the North Dakota Department of Health has issued an advisory of exposure for anyone who was served communion at the services attended by Bishop John Folda at four churches during the time before his condition was identified.  It is possible that hundred are at risk for contracting the disease.  Fortunately, State Immunization Program Manager Molly Howell says the risk of transmission is low.

WebMD states that viral hepatitis includes hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.  Each type has different causes, symptoms, and treatment.  The Mayo Clinic reports that hepatitis A is an infection of the liver that is highly contagious.  It is most commonly contracted from exposure to contaminated sources of food and water.  Milder cases can be naturally addressed by the body without medical intervention and most cases do not result in any permanent liver damage.

According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that is transmitted through contact with an infected person or consumption of contaminated food or water.  It is often associated with poor sanitation measures.  The prognosis for affected individuals varies, but is rarely fatal.  Bishop Folda is currently recovering well.

In contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that hepatitis C is a liver disease resulting from a hepatitis C virus infection.  The severity of the disease varies from a few weeks of a mild illness to a lifelong illness.  Chronic hepatitis can create long-term health problems and even lead to death.  Hepatitis C is most often spread by needle sharing, but prior to widespread screening of donated blood and organs, it was also often spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

The CDC reports that, annually, there are approximately 25,000 new cases of hepatitis A.  However, the number of cases reported is significantly lower since people may be infected without ever showing symptoms or having symptoms severe enough to need medical attention.