Hepatitis A Confirmed At Pine Knob: Here's Possible Exposure Dates

CLARKSTON, MI — At least one person has tested positive for hepatitis A after attending the Pine Knob Music Theatre within the last month, according to Oakland County health officials.

The person who tested positive was at the Pine Knob’s Ivy Lounge, where officials believe the virus spread within the last month. Officials warned anyone who ate food at the lounge between Aug. 26 and Sept. 8 to monitor their symptoms and get vaccinated if they're not.

"The window for vaccination to help prevent illness from hepatitis A is through tomorrow for those individuals who attended the Jason Aldean concert and ate at the Ivy Lounge," Oakland County Medical Director Russell Faust said. "For anyone who is not vaccinated for hepatitis A, we encourage getting vaccination to protect against future exposures."

Anyone who attended the following concerts was asked to monitor their health for hepatitis A symptoms:

• Aug. 26 - Lynyrd Skynyrd concert
• Aug. 29 - Arctic Monkeys concert
• Aug. 30 - Foreigner concert
• Sept. 1 - Disturbed concert
• Sept. 2 - Beck and Phoenix concert
• Sept. 3 - Pentatonix concert
• Sept. 5 - Rob Zombie concert
• Sept. 6 - Smashing Pumpkins concert

Officials urged anyone who attended the Sept. 8 Jason Aldean concert to get vaccinated before Saturday.

Oakland County Health Division offices are located:

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

"The risk of transmission in this specific situation is low," Oakland County Medical Director said Dr. Russell Faust. "If you have not been vaccinated, get vaccinated. The vaccine can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after exposure."

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus and is most commonly spread from person to person by contaminated hands. Symptoms include sudden abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and vomiting followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Symptoms may appear from two to six weeks after exposure, with the average time being about one month. In rare cases of hepatitis A infection, those with a pre-existing severe illness or a compromised immune system can progress to liver failure.
To reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis A:

• 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. Handwashing is essential and one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection.
• Clean and disinfect all surface areas if someone in the household or workplace has symptoms, especially areas such as toilets, sinks, trashcans, doorknobs, 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, or two weeks after onset of clinical symptoms, whichever is longer.
• Get the hepatitis A vaccine. It is available through some health care providers, Health Division offices and many pharmacies. Call ahead to ensure your health care provider or pharmacy has the vaccine available.