Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Hepatitis A Outbreak Michigan Restaurant

How Is Hepatitis A Treated

Restaurant can reopen as officials continue to investigate deadly hepatitis A outbreak

There are no specific treatments for Hepatitis A. Most healthy children and adults bodies will clear themselves of the virus. Most will be free from the virus within six months without any lasting injury. The Mayo Clinic recommends rest to manage the fatigue, eating small portions of high-calorie foods to control nausea, drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and avoiding alcohol and unnecessary medications.

If the symptoms are severe, hospitalization may be required for IV fluids and medications to reduce nausea and vomiting. When a persons liver function is impaired, physicians may also prescribe medications and treatments to reduce inflammation, improve function, and reduce the likelihood of liver failure.

The 11 Most Significant Restaurant Food Illness Outbreaks In History

Its estimated that nearly 50 million Americans are affected by foodborne illness each and every year. That results in nearly 130,000 hospitalizations and, tragically, about 3,000 deaths.

Its safe to say, then, that foodborne illnessfrom botulism to listeriais a huge problem. Often, the issue is linked to foods contaminated on their way to the grocery store, but there have also been a number of outbreaks linked to restaurants. So, what are the worst restaurant foodborne illness outbreaks in history?

Hepatitis A Outbreak: Detroit Restaurant Workers Urged To Get Vaccination

The Detroit Health Department is offering food workers an all-day Hepatitis A vaccination clinic on January 29th in hopes of stopping an ongoing outbreak of the disease.

Dating back to 2016, roughly 700 Hepatitis A cases have showed up in southeast Michigan. 154 of those cases involved Detroit residents.

Weve been really trying to be aggressive in terms of tackling this outbreak, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, a doctor with the Detroit Health Department.

By getting the Hepatitis A vaccine, it helps to protect the food worker, and the community.

Those at the highest risk of contracting Hepatitis A include the homeless, drug users, and people who already have Hepatitis B or C. However, Hepatitis A is easy to contract by coming in contact with a person who has the virus, or contaminated food or drinks thats why vaccinating food service workers is so important.

This current outbreak is not coming we normally only see a handful of cases in a given year, said Dr. Khaldun. Thats why weve really revved up our resources to make sure we can stop this outbreak from spreading further.

The special Hepatitis A clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Samaritan Center Kilpatrick Conference Room in Detroit its located at 5555 Conner, Detroit.

Restaurant workers are encouraged to stop by with their ID and an insurance card. If you do not have insurance youre recommended to come anyway, because you may qualify for a free shot.

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How Is Hepatitis A Diagnosed

Anyone suffering symptoms associated with Hepatitis A should see a physician right away. Laboratory blood tests can be used to look for viral hepatitis and HAV-specific Immunoglobulin G antibodies. Physicians can also request laboratory tests to look for Hepatitis A virus in RNA.

If you are suffering or have suffered severe complications that required hospitalization, it is important to have diagnostic tests to confirm the type of viral or bacterial infection. This confirmation can support a legal claim against the party responsible for serving a contaminated food or beverage.

Officials Investigating Third Death In Hepatitis A Outbreak Traced To Restaurant

A third death is being investigated in a hepatitis A outbreak traced to an Italian restaurant in West Norriton, PA.

Montgomery County public health officials say they have already confirmed two deaths in the outbreak traced to Ginos Restaurant and Pizzeria. They have confirmed 10 people as infected with the liver disease and another three cases remain under investigation.

As of this week the restaurant remains closed. Public health officials ordered the closure on Jan. 7. At least seven of the infected people were admitted to hospitals.

County officials are working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the investigation. So far the investigation suggests the exposure occurred in late November and no longer presents a risk.

It can take up to 50 days after exposure to the hepatitis A virus for symptoms to appear. After symptoms appear sick people must be tested and test results must be confirmed and reported to public health officials before the patient count can be updated.

About hepatitis A infectionsHepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection. The virus is generally spread when people come into microscopic amounts of stool from an infected person through food, drink or an object. The disease can also be spread through close contact. It can be prevented by vaccination.

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General Food Safety Tips For Consumers

People should consult their healthcare provider if they suspect that they have developed symptoms that resemble a Hepatitis A infection.

Consumers should follow these steps for preventing foodborne illness:

  • Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards and countertops, and utensils that may have contacted contaminated foods then sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water dry with a clean cloth or paper towel that has not been previously used.
  • Wash and sanitize surfaces used to serve or store potentially contaminated products.
  • Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.

Consumers can also submit a voluntarily report, a complaint, or adverse event related to a food product.

Produce items should be rinsed in clean, running water without the use of cleaners or soaps. After washing, dry produce with a clean cloth towel or paper towel to further reduce pathogens that may be present on the surface.

Montgomery County Updates Deadly Hepatitis A Restaurant Outbreak

Montgomery County has updated the deadly hepatitis A restaurant outbreak associated with Ginos Ristorante & Pizzeria with more information. Three deaths are linked to this outbreak. There are thirteen cases under investigation. Ten are confirmed and three remain suspect.

Ongoing interviews with patients have confirmed that the exposure occurred in late November and no longer presents a risk to the public. MCOPHs Division of Environmental Field Services has lifted the closure of Ginos Ristorante & Pizzeria in West Norriton, Pennsylvania after a conducting a re-opening inspection on Thursday, January 20, 2022.

During the inspection, public health officials emphasized the requirement of proper and thorough hand washing and glove/utensil use when handling ready-to-eat foods. Inspectors made sure that the facility was cleaned and sanitized, including all food and non-food contact surfaces in the kitchen, dining room, wait stations, and restrooms. All produce should be washed before serving, according to officials.

The owner of the restaurant reported that all potential food sources on the premises were thrown away before re-opening. More inspections will occur at the restaurant to observe employee food handling procedures.

The restaurant owner gave officials a list of restaurant employees who worked during the exposure period. All, including those who are going to return to work, completed voluntary testing for hepatitis A and were offered vaccinations.

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More Restaurant Patrons Exposed To Hepatitis A In Detroit

Detroit public health officials posted back to back notices Wednesday and Thursday urging patrons of two restaurants to seek medical attention because they may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.

Customers of a McDonalds restaurant and the Greektown Casino are at risk, according to notices posted this week by the Detroit Health Department. Michigan is one of several states involved in a hepatitis A outbreak that has sickened more than 1,300 people, killing 41.

As of Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was reporting 555 confirmed cases of hepatitis A, with 457 hospitalizations and 20 deaths.

There is still time for some people who consumed food or beverages at the two locations to receive post-exposure treatment to prevent infection. For some customers, the two-week window of opportunity the receive the post-exposure injections has already closed. But for others, there are a few days left.

The city health department reported the restaurants, dates of potential exposure, and deadlines for post-exposure treatment as:

  • McDonalds at 2889 West Grand Blvd., all customers, exposure period from Nov. 8 through Nov. 22, post-exposure treatment must be taken before Dec. 6 and
  • Greektown Casino at at 555 East Lafayette, customers in the private Platinum member card access area, exposure period from Nov. 11 through Nov. 22, post-exposure treatment must be taken before Dec. 6.

Resources Regarding Hepatitis A

Montgomery County Restaurant Shut Down While Officials Investigate Deadly Hepatitis A Outbreak

Several federal agencies are involved in ensuring consumers have access to safe seafood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration operates the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. This is a joint federal-state regulatory effort to ensure safe and quality seafood products are distributed to consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates country of origin labeling for seafood sold in retail stores. The U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Fisheries Service manages U.S. fishery resources and operates a voluntary inspection and grading program.

If your Hepatitis A infection was linked to contaminated shellfish or another food product, you should advise your local or state health department as well as the government agency that regulated food safety regarding that product. The FDA should be notified regarding contaminated shellfish, and the USDA should be notified regarding contaminated meat, dairy, or eggs.

Also Check: Ways To Get Hepatitis C

Hepatitis A Can Cause Serious Illness And Organ Failure

While some people infected with hepatitis A remain asymptomatic, not everyone is so lucky.

Symptoms of hepatitis A, the onset of which commonly occur within 14 to 28 days of exposure, typically include abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, malaise, nausea, and jaundice that may cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, according to the World Health Organization . In some cases, hepatitis A can also lead to liver failure or death. If you believe you may be experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Hep A Cases Soar To 10 Times Normal In Region

Southeast Michigan is in the midst of a “serious outbreak” of hepatitis A cases, with health departments reporting about 10 times the number Michigan health officials usually see.

The Michigan health department reports 583 hepatitis A cases and 20 deaths in southeast Michigan since August 2016. Brought into the public eye by an unusual number of restaurant cases, health officials say the majority of cases are among drug users, the homeless and current and former inmates.The majority of the outbreaks occurred in July through October and since then has fluctuated but overall has been declining from the summer peak.

State and public health officials are rallying to contain the outbreak. Health departments have increased awareness efforts by notifying the public and urging vaccination, which imparts lifetime immunity, to prevent the outbreak from spreading.

“This is extremely unusual. It’s about 10 times the amount of our normal cases,” said Angela Minicuci, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Human Services. “We are dealing with a serious outbreak and our goal is to contain it” and make sure those exposed are vaccinated.

Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease. If given within two weeks after exposure, the vaccine can prevent the illness. The outbreak, however, comes at a time when there is a limited supply of the vaccine due to a national shortage, health officials say.

Wayne County typically has two or three cases a year, said Sharangpani.

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Speak To Our Hepatitis A Lawyers Now

Dont wait until it is too late to discuss your rights after a Hepatitis A infection. You deserve to know the facts, who is responsible, and your options regarding compensation. With decades of experience in the food safety field and millions of dollars recovered, the OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers have the skill and resources to handle any Hepatitis case.

Call today or contact us online. We handle food injury cases across the nation, offer 100% free, initial consultations, and there are never any fees unless you recover compensation.

Signs of Food Poisoning & Contamination

  • Diarrhea

Hepatitis And The Food Industry

Many in the public learn of hepatitis cases only when someone who works in the food service industry is diagnosed with having it. Since August of last year, local health departments have sent out regular releases, alerting the public to new cases at restaurants across the tri-county area.

At the end of November, the Detroit health department announced a Greektown Casino employee had been diagnosed with hepatitis A. The announcement came just two days after it announced a separate case at a McDonald’s on West Grand Boulevard.

And just last week, Oakland County announced an employee at a Papa Romano’s in Southfield had been diagnosed with hepatitis A. Oakland County announced last week that it plans to hold two clinics aimed at vaccinating food service workers.

As the cases continue to roll in, Dr. Katherine Reyes, medical director of Infection Prevention & Control for the Henry Ford Health System, said she’s been troubled by the high number of hospitalizations in connection with the outbreak. About 83% of cases have included hospitalization, according to the latest data from the state.

Other at risk populations include people who have close contact with someone who has hepatitis A, gay men, travelers to countries with high or medium rates of hepatitis A and people with chronic liver disease.

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Environmental And Laboratory Investigation

As part of the 2018 investigation, restaurant A employee stool specimens and environmental samples were collected in parallel and analyzed for Salmonella. None of the 100 employees reported symptoms at the time of sample collection or in the weeks preceding collection. MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories identified five isolates from four of 100 asymptomatic employees stool specimens that shared the outbreak subtype. Stool cultures were collected approximately every 30 days from asymptomatic employees with stool specimens that tested positive until a negative test result was received. A repeat stool culture was taken at least 48 hours after the first negative result. Asymptomatic employees who received positive Salmonella Mbandaka test results were required to have two negative stool cultures before returning to work. Because antibiotics can increase the likelihood of prolonged Salmonella shedding in stool, treatment was not recommended . None of the restaurant employees received antibiotics to treat asymptomatic Salmonella Mbandaka infection. The duration of Salmonella shedding among the four asymptomatic restaurant employees with positive cultures varied .

Trini & Carmens Restaurant 1977

Trini & Carmens Restaurant was a popular Mexican joint based in Pontiac, Michigan. As winter turned to spring in March 1977, the restaurant was linked to a serious botulism outbreak.

Investigations showed that the cause was a hot sauce made using improperly canned jalapeno peppers. Tragically, the restaurant had only recently made the switch from fresh to canned peppers. The cost was high: while no one died, 58 people became very ill and the restaurants reputation was seriously affected.

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    Find Out What’s Happening In Birminghamwith Free Real

    Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. The virus is shed in feces and is most commonly spread from person to person by unclean hands contaminated with feces.

    Symptoms of infection may include sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and/or vomiting often followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes . Symptoms may appear from 14-50 days after exposure, but average about one month.

    Everything Your Restaurant Needs To Know About The Hepatitis A Outbreak

    Third death confirmed in Montgomery County Hepatits A outbreak, restaurant to reopen

    The U.S. is in the midst of a Hepatitis A outbreak, currently affecting 10 states and counting. Hepatitis A is preventable by vaccine and by practicing effective hand-washing techniques. Learn about the Hepatitis A outbreak, the warning signs, and how to protect your restaurant staff.

    This post was last updated on .

    DISCLAIMER: This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, accounting, tax, HR, or other professional advice. You are responsible for your own compliance with laws and regulations. You should contact your attorney or other relevant advisor for advice specific to your circumstances.

    It’s hard out here for a restaurant owner. Besides worrying about skyrocketing rent costs, a nationwide labor shortage, and an oversaturated marketplace, restaurant owners and operators now need to add Hepatitis A to their watch list.

    Yes, you read that right: Hepatitis A, the devastating, viral liver infection we thought we squashed from existence with the invention of a preventative vaccine. Think again.

    Here’s what you and your restaurant need to know about the Hepatitis A outbreak in restaurants.

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    Experts Say The Illness Can Be Prevented

    Hepatitis A is easily transmissible, but there are ways to reduce your risk of being infected.

    “Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease,” explained Morrow, noting that anyone interested in getting vaccinated can contact the Virginia Department of Health, a pharmacist, or their doctor to receive their immunization.

    Morrow also notes that regular hand-washing, thoroughly cooking food and avoiding cross-contamination, and not eating raw shellfish are all means by which individuals can lower their risk of contracting the disease.

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    What Can The Public Do To Protect Themselves And Their Communities

    • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A
    • Wash hands after using the restroom and before eating or preparing meals for yourself or others
    • Use your own towels, toothbrushes, and eating utensils
    • Do not have sex with someone who has HAV infection
    • Do not share food, drinks, drugs, or smokes with other people
    • If you think you may have hepatitis A, see your medical provider
    • If you have hepatitis A, please cooperate with your local public health to help protect others

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