Case of Hepatitis A Virus in Farmingdale Restaurant Worker, Health Officials Offer Treatment for Possible Exposure
Farmingdale, NY - August 11, 2016 - The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) is investigating a case of Hepatitis A virus in an individual who worked at the restaurant Trento, located at 1058 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale, NY. Patrons who consumed a beverage at this establishment on the dates of July 19, 23, 26, 29 and 30 may have been exposed to Hepatitis A. Preventive treatment for Hepatitis A virus can help to prevent or lessen the severity of illness when given within two weeks of exposure.
SCDHS will offer free Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG) to individuals who consumed beverages at this establishment on July 29 or July 30, 2016. Treatment will be offered at the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 3500 Sunrise Hwy., Bldg. 200, Suite 124, Great River, NY 11739 at the following times:
Friday, August 12, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 13, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, August 13, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Individuals who were potentially exposed may also receive preventive treatment from their healthcare providers. Preventive treatment is not recommended for individuals potentially exposed before July 29, 2016. Those individuals should be aware of the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A and contact their health care provider if they become ill.
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus. The virus may be spread by consuming food or drink that has been handled by an infected person. It may also be spread from person to person by putting in the mouth something that has been contaminated with fecal material of a person with hepatitis A. Casual contact, as in an office or school setting, does not spread the virus.
The symptoms of Hepatitis A range from mild to severe and include fever, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark-colored urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). Most people recover in a few weeks without any complications. The symptoms commonly appear within 28 days of exposure, with a range of 15-50 days. There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. Manage with supportive care.
Thorough hand washing after bathroom use and before, during and after food preparation can help to prevent the spread of this and other intestinal illnesses.
Individuals exposed to Hepatitis A virus should receive Hepatitis A vaccination or immune globulin (IG) within two weeks of exposure to a person 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 infection and have no need for preventive treatment. Pregnant women are urged to consult their doctors to discuss appropriate management.
For additional information or questions about possible exposure, call the Suffolk County Department of Health Services hotline at 631-787-2200 between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Additional information on Hepatitis A is also available at www.cdc.gov.