Even though we were warned to expect more cases, news that more folks have been stricken with hepatitis A is unsettling just the same.

The latest cases in recent days also were unnerving because the patients’ jobs involve high people-contact: A kitchen worker at Kipapa Elementary School in Mililani, and a second flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines. Neither entity is the source of the outbreak, which has already been determined to be frozen scallops imported from the Philippines served at Genki Sushi.

As of Wednesday, 228 hep A cases were confirmed, with two patients hit so severely they’re now awaiting liver transplants. Scary stuff. Incubation can be up to 50 days, so be aware of symptoms: fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, dark urine, pale stools and jaundice.

Hawaii closes pay gap between women, men

The U.S.has fallen to 28th place on the Global Gender Gap Index, for those keeping score. But things are much brighter in Hawaii, according to the personal finance company Wallethub.com.

The islands rank No. 1 among the states for gender equality in a 2016 survey. Hawaii scored tops overall and on three particular measures.

It has the lowest pay disparity between men and women, and the least degree of difference in educational attainment among those with at least a bachelor’s degree. Finally, the state comes closest to equality in political representation.

Could the fact that so many women entered the workforce early — just to pay the bills — be a factor?