Possible Hepatitis A​ Outbreak At Metro Detroit Music Venue: Here's What You Need To Know

CLARKSTON, MI — Oakland County health officials warned concertgoers who attended shows at Pine Knob Music Theatre within the last month to watch for hepatitis A symptoms after a potential outbreak at the music theater.

Health officials believe the outbreak is connected to the Ivy Lounge at the popular Clarkston music venue. Officials asked all guests, staff and volunteers who ate from the Ivy Lounge between Aug. 26 and Sept. 8 to monitor for symptoms of the virus. If unvaccinated against hepatitis A, officials those to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Here is a list of exposure dates and recommended actions from health officials:

Aug. 26 Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, monitor for symptoms

Aug. 29 Arctic Monkeys concert, monitor for symptoms

Aug. 30 Foreigner concert, monitor for symptoms

Sept. 1 Disturbed concert, get vaccinated as soon as possible

Sept. 2 Beck and Phoenix concert, get vaccinated as soon as possible

Sept. 3 Pentatonix concert, get vaccinated as soon as possible

Sept. 5 Rob Zombie concert, get vaccinated by Sept. 19

Sept. 6 Smashing Pumpkins concert, get vaccinated by Sept. 20

Sept. 8 Jason Aldean concert, get vaccinated by Sept. 22

Health officials said anyone unvaccinated that may have been exposure to the virus at the Ivy Lounge from Sept. 1 - 8 can receive the vaccine by the 14-day deadline.

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.