Oakland County Restaurant Worker Infected With Hepatitis A

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — An employee of a Southfield Papa Romano’s has a confirmed case of hepatitis A, according to the Oakland County Health Division. The county is advising restaurant staff and guests who ate at the restaurant between Nov. 22 - 26 to get a hepatitis A vaccine, if they have not been vaccinated, or contact their doctor if they have a sudden onset of any symptoms.

“Vaccination can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after potential exposure,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “Southeast Michigan is experiencing a serious hepatitis A outbreak. All residents are urged to get vaccinated, especially food handlers and healthcare providers, and to wash hands thoroughly.”

The Papa Romano's is located at 23926 W. Nine Mile Road and Telegraph in Southfield.

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 (jaundice). Symptoms may appear from 14-50 days after exposure, but average about one month.

“Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months,” said Dr. Pamela Hackert, medical director for the Health Division. “Hepatitis A is contagious but preventable with vaccination, good hygiene, and proper sanitation of surfaces.”

To reduce the risk of hepatitis A, county officials advise:

• Get the hepatitis A vaccine.
• Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food. Rub hands vigorously with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect all surface areas, especially while someone in the household or workplace has symptoms. Particular care needs to be taken with areas such as toilets, sinks, trash, door knobs, and faucet handles.
• Do not prepare food if you have symptoms and refrain from food preparation for at least three days after symptoms have ended.
• Exclude ill food service workers from the establishment immediately until clearance from OCHD is received.

The hepatitis A vaccine is available through some healthcare providers and many pharmacies. Call ahead to ensure your provider or pharmacy has the vaccine available. Vaccines are also available at both Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield at the following addresses:

• North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
• South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield

Hours are noon – 8 p.m. on Mondays and 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Pre-payment and registration are not available at these walk-in clinics.

The hepatitis A vaccine consists of two doses, given six months apart, and costs $64 per adult dose. If you have insurance, check with your healthcare/insurance provider for possible benefit coverage.

Vaccine fees are charged to individuals who are not eligible for federal and/or state programs that cover vaccination costs. The Health Division participates in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program which offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children up to 18-years-old.
No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. A discounted/sliding fee schedule is available.

Payment options include cash and credit card. Credit card fees apply. Please bring all insurance cards to the clinic. Identification is required for all clinic services.

Photo by Joe Raedle / Staff / Getty Images News / Getty Images