The Marion County Health Department (MCHD), in cooperation with La Cocina Mexicana Restaurant in Salem, is investigating a report of Hepatitis A virus exposure. As a preventative measure, MCHD is recommending that customers who consumed food, whether dine-in or pickup, purchased on April 20th through the 25th discuss the need for Hepatitis A vaccination with their healthcare provider.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can be transmitted person-to-person and/or by eating food or drinks contaminated with the virus. Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection, but only if given within 14 days of exposure to Hepatitis A. The Hepatitis A vaccine can be given to persons over 12 months of age who have not completed the two-dose hepatitis A vaccination series. Persons over 40 years old may also receive immune globulin.
MCHD Communicable Disease staff and Environmental Health staff have been working with the restaurant to assess the exposure level to staff and patrons. The restaurant continues to be highly responsive and cooperative in this investigation process.
Marion County Health Department will be holding a special Hepatitis A vaccination event at the Salem location on Thursday, May 4th for those over 12 months of age who consumed food or drinks at the restaurant on April 20th-25th. Contact the Marion County Health Department at 618-548-3878 for appointments for the Hepatitis A vaccination event.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A usually start appearing within 4 weeks after exposure but can occur as early as 2 weeks, and even as late as 7 weeks after exposure. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), diarrhea, pale-colored stools, stomach pain, dark urine, nausea, feeling tired, loss of appetite, and fever. Children less than 6 years of age generally do not have symptoms or have an unrecognized infection. Almost all people who get Hepatitis A recover completely.
It is rare for Hepatitis A to cause severe illness, but persons 50 years of age or older and those with other liver diseases (particularly chronic Hepatitis B) are more at risk. The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is through vaccination. While two doses are recommended to complete the Hepatitis A vaccine series, even one dose provides nearly 95% immunity for at least several years. Good hand hygiene, including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, and avoiding high-risk behaviors like needle-sharing, also plays an important role in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A.
For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm.
