Employee of Baskin-Robbins in Waipahu Diagnosed with Hepatitis A
The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is investigating a confirmed case of hepatitis A in a food service employee at the ice cream specialty store, Baskin-Robbins, located at the Waikele Center in Waipahu. The department is advising persons who consumed any food or drink products from this store between June 17 and July 3, 2016 that they may have been exposed to hepatitis a, a disease that can severely damage the liver. The actual dates that the shop was open are June 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 30, and July 1 and 3.
Urgent Information if You Have not Had the Hepatitis A Vaccine
A hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness, and may provide some protection against the disease if administered with the first 2 weeks after exposure. Hepatitis A vaccine is readily available at local pharmacies. Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine, given at least six (6) months apart, are needed for lasting protection, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. For a list of vaccinating pharmacies, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2013/07/IMM_Adult_Resource_List.pdf or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.
“Restaurants should be required to ensure that all employees have been vaccinated,” said Fred Pritzker, a lawyer who helps people who have been exposed to hepatitis A by sick food handlers. “It is a simple solution that would prevent the spread of hepatitis A infections. The risk of severe illness and death is great for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Certainly, the small amount it would cost to have employees vaccinated would be far outweighed by the benefits to patrons.”
Ill Baskin-Robbins Food Handler One of 52 Confirmed Cases
This Baskin-Robbins food handler who has been diagnosed with hepatitis A is one in a growing number of ill in Oahu reported to the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH). Since the outbreak began, there have been 52 cases of hepatitis A reported to and now confirmed by DOH, according to a news release. All cases have been in adults on Oahu, of whom 16 have required hospitalization. The department issued a Medical Advisory to all healthcare providers on June 30 urging them to be vigilant and report all suspected hepatitis A infection immediately.
“The source of this outbreak has still not been determined. In the meantime, we encourage all persons consider and talk to their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park. “This case demonstrates the potential to spread hepatitis A virus to many others who remain susceptible. In an effort to stem the spread of disease, individuals, including food service employees, exhibiting symptoms of hepatitis A infection should stay home and contact their healthcare provider.”
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The disease can range from a mild illness lasting 1 or 2 weeks to a severe illness lasting for several months. HAV is found in the stool of people with hepatitis A infection and is usually spread by eating contaminated food or drinking water and can be spread through close personal/sexual contact.
Hepatitis A virus enters an organism by ingestion of water and food contaminated by human feces, and reaches the liver through the bloodstream, where it can cause liver failure and death.
Symptoms of a hepatitis A infection include the following:
fever
fatigue
loss of appetite
abdominal discomfort
dark urine
diarrhea
yellow skin and eyes.
These symptoms generally last several weeks to as long as two months, meaning people sickened may have significant loss of income due to the illness in addition to large medical bills, losses that can be addressed with a lawsuit for compensation.
