Vaccination Recommended After Hepatitis A Case On Cape Cod

PROVINCETOWN, MA — Cape Cod health officials have notified the public of a case of Hepatitis A that's linked to a local food service employee.

The employee works at The Red Inn, located at 15 Commercial St., in Provincetown.

"The establishment remains open and safe to dine at as they are cooperating fully with officials in the public health investigation," officials said.

"We want to assure residents and visitors that local health officials, contact tracers, and clinicians are taking swift, coordinated steps to protect public health," they added.

Provincetown health officials said patrons who dined at The Red Inn between April 30 and May 15 may have been exposed.

"Contact your doctor as soon as possible to ask if a Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin is recommended," officials said. "To be effective at preventing disease from this exposure, these must be given within 14 days."

Despite the recent case, health officials in Provincetown are supportive of the restaurant, reassuring locals that it's safe to dine there and at other local spots.

“From my experience inspecting The Red Inn through the years, this is not a facilities issue. The staff is knowledgeable, trained in food safety and committed to best management practices, and the back of the house is top-notch,” said Lezli Rowell, Provincetown Health Department Director. “This is just an unfortunate illness that happened to an individual who is reported to be recovering well and remaining out of work until medically cleared to resume food handling employment. These measures are the required abundance of public health caution that must be taken after identifying a Hepatitis A Case.”

According to Outer Cape Health Services, Hepatitis A symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, with some individuals experiencing dark urine or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to seven weeks after exposure. The illness is usually mild and self-limiting, however can be of concern in those with pre-existing medical conditions.

“Vaccination remains the most effective defense against Hepatitis A, along with practicing good hand hygiene,” said Dr. Marie Constant, Chief Medical Officer at Outer Cape Health Services. “We urge anyone who may have been exposed or who is unsure of their vaccination status to contact their healthcare provider.”