The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a case of hepatitis A infection in a food service employee at Hana Koa Brewing Company, located at 962 Kawaiaha‘o St., in Honolulu.

Anyone who has consumed any food or drink products from this establishment from Aug. 3-16, 2024, may have been exposed to the disease. Individuals who have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A should contact their health care provider if they develop symptoms and should mention their potential exposure to the disease. Early diagnosis guides appropriate care and can help stop further spread of the disease. Post-exposure prophylaxis can be offered to close contacts of infected individuals and is most effective when administered within two weeks of exposure to hepatitis A.

It is important to note that Hana Koa Brewing Company had no food safety violation that resulted in this case, but was merely a place where the infected employee was working. The likelihood that patrons of this food establishment will become infected is very low, but to prevent possible additional cases, the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division is notifying the public so they may seek advice and help from their health care providers. The establishment has cooperated with the DOH to exclude ill and exposed food handlers and does not pose any ongoing risk for disease transmission associated with this case.

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, diarrhea and yellow skin and eyes. Individuals, including food service employees, exhibiting symptoms of hepatitis A should stay home and contact their health care provider. There are no specific treatments for hepatitis A, other than to rest and take care of yourself. Your body will clear the virus on its own.

Hepatitis A is usually spread through close person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or drink. Since 2006, the hepatitis A vaccine has been routinely recommended for all children ages 12-23 months old, and all youth ages 2-18 years old who have not been previously vaccinated. The hepatitis A vaccine is also recommended for other groups at higher risk. Vaccination is highly effective at preventing infection and provides long-lasting protection (boosters are not routinely recommended).

While vaccination provides the best protection, individuals can also prevent the spread of hepatitis A through safe cooking practices, as well as frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the restroom, after changing a diaper and before preparing food.

Additional information about hepatitis A can be found on the DOH website at: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/hepatitis-a/

For a list of vaccinating pharmacies, visit: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/vaccine-locators/

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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a report of hepatitis A virus infection in an employee of Whole Foods Market in Beverly Hills (239 N. Crescent Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210).

No additional cases have been identified at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Based on the employee’s job duties and symptoms while at work, Public Health is recommending that anyone who purchased products from the seafood counter section of the store between April 20th and May 13th receive hepatitis A vaccine if they are not already immune. People who have not received the hepatitis A vaccine or had a previous hepatitis A infection may not be protected from the virus.

Receiving vaccination as soon as possible after exposure could help reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A infection. Residents should contact their local pharmacy or medical provider for the vaccine. Public Health is working with the company to ensure employees that are not immune are referred for vaccination.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, hepatitis A can cause death in some people. Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. While prompt vaccination is likely to prevent infection, infection may occur in those who receive vaccination too late. Patrons who develop symptoms should call their provider and ask for a hepatitis A test.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent disease. Infection can be prevented by vaccination after a known exposure to a person with infectious hepatitis A. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems might benefit from receiving immune globulin (IG) in addition to hepatitis A vaccination for prevention after an exposure. For any questions about hepatitis A or the need for immune globulin, Public Health recommends that you speak to your primary care provider. If you do not have a regular provider, call 2-1-1 for assistance.

Public Health will continue monitoring all known individuals who may have been exposed to individuals ill with hepatitis A.

People who ate at the Main Deck restaurant (301 Lake Street, Penn Yan, NY) between March 27 and April 12 were potentially exposed to the hepatitis A virus. Most people do not get sick when an employee at a restaurant has hepatitis A, but there is still a risk. People who may have been exposed should receive treatment to prevent infection.

“While the risk of hepatitis A infection is low, we must act carefully to prevent the spread of this very contagious disease,” said Doug Sinclair, Yates County Public Health Director. “Anyone who may have eaten at this restaurant during this timeframe should check their immunization status and if not already vaccinated against hepatitis A, come to our free clinic or visit their healthcare provider if they are experiencing symptoms.”

The hepatitis A vaccine is only effective within two weeks of exposure to the virus. Yates County Public Health is advising anyone who ate food from the Main Deck restaurant between April 4 and April 12 to receive a free hepatitis A vaccine on April 18, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Yates County Office Building located at 417 Liberty Street in Penn Yan. To register for an appointment, visit www.yatescountypublichealth.org. If you need assistance with scheduling an appointment or are unable to attend our clinic, call our office at (315) 536-5160.   

Those who ate at Main Deck between March 27 and April 3 may have been exposed, but receiving the hepatitis A vaccine now will not prevent infection from this exposure. These persons are encouraged to monitor themselves and their families for symptoms for 50 days after consuming the food. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, or jaundice. If you have any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and be sure to tell them that you may have been exposed to hepatitis A.

The owner and staff at Main Deck have been very cooperative and have complied with all recommendations from the state and local health departments. New York State Health Department staff conducted a thorough inspection of the restaurant and has cleared it to open.  

If you have questions, call Yates County Public Health at (315) 536-5160. For more information on hepatitis A, visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/hepatitis_a/, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm. 

Erie County Health Department has identified a case of Hepatitis A in a restaurant worker, it announced Friday. The employee works at Cracker Barrel, which is located at 7810 Interstate Dr. in Summit Township. The health department said the risk of infection is low, but customers who ate or drank at the restaurant or ordered or delivered take-out Jan. 30 through Feb. 21 are asked to watch for symptoms of hepatitis A. Symptoms can take two to seven weeks after exposure before they start to appear. They include fatigue (tiredness), loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, dark urine, joint pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). The symptoms can last from a few weeks to several months. If they appear, health officials urge you to seek medical attention. The health department advises dine-in and take-out customers from Feb. 10 to 21 to get the vaccine for hepatitis A as soon as possible because they may have potentially been exposed. The restaurant is following cleaning and employee health guidelines provided by corporate and the health department, according to officials. The contagious liver disease spreads through person-to-person contact or by eating contaminated food or drinks. Anyone with questions can call the Erie County Health Department at 814-451-6707 or, if outside the county, Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-724-3258. Restaurant staff is asked to contact management for guidance.

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According to the Gloucester County Health Department a food handler at an Olive Garden restaurant in Gloucester County tested positive for Hepatitis A.

The employee at the Olive Garden at 1500 Almonesson Road in Deptford worked while infected between Dec. 26 and 30, according to the announcement.

Hepatitis A is a viral illness with symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, poor appetite, jaundice and dark urine, county officials advised. Symptoms usually appear within two to seven weeks after exposure.

Anyone who previously received a Hepatitis A vaccine is not at risk, the county said. Those who are unvaccinated face a low risk, but the risk may be lowered further by getting vaccinated within two weeks of exposure, officials said.

Those who are unvaccinated and believe they may have been exposed are encouraged to contact their health care provider.

The county is working with the restaurant to vaccinate potentially exposed co-workers, officials said.

“Gloucester County Department of Health is working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health and the restaurant facility to protect the public and prevent further spread of disease,” officials stated.

Hepatitis A infection has been diagnosed in a server at Lolita’s Bar and Grill located at 472 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville, GA. Individuals who ate at the restaurant from Oct. 24 – Nov. 7 may have been exposed to the infection and should contact their healthcare provider or the Gwinnett County Health Department to determine if a hepatitis A vaccine is needed to prevent illness.

Hepatitis A vaccine is available at the Gwinnett County Health Department to exposed individuals with no out-of-pocket cost, regardless of insurance status.

Hepatitis A is a contagious viral infection that can cause loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach pain, brown colored urine, light-colored stools and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Symptoms usually begin 2 – 7 weeks after exposure and generally last less than 2 months but can last as long as 6 months. Some individuals with severe symptoms of hepatitis A require hospitalization.

Hepatitis A spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. Hepatitis A can be spread when restaurant workers infected with hepatitis A don’t wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom.

Anyone who consumed food or drink at Lolita’s Bar and Grill from Oct.24 – Nov. 7 is asked to:

  1. Seek hepatitis A vaccination within 14 days of exposure if you have not previously been vaccinated for or had hepatitis A. If you have been vaccinated or have had hepatitis A previously, you are considered immune and do not need vaccine.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
  3. Monitor your health for symptoms of hepatitis A infection up to 50 days after exposure.

If you develop symptoms of hepatitis A, stay home and contact your healthcare provider or the health department immediately.

The restaurant has been cooperative with the health department’s investigation and has taken proactive measures including scheduling immunizations for susceptible employees and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the restaurant. Education on prevention of Hepatitis A transmission has also been provided.

Individuals with questions should call their healthcare provider or the Gwinnett County Health Department at 770-339-4260 (press 0 and ask to speak with the epidemiologist on call). An epidemiologist can also be reached after hours at 404-323-1910 or 866-PUB-HLTH

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a case of hepatitis A in a food service worker at a Portland restaurant.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can spread through person-to-person contact or contaminated food.

The Maine CDC says the worker was infectious at the Green Elephant Bistro in Portland during the following times:

  • 9/21 (dinner only)
  • 9/23 (lunch and dinner)
  • 9/24 (dinner only)
  • 9/27 (dinner only)
  • 9/28 (lunch and dinner)
  • 9/30 (lunch and dinner)
  • 10/1 (dinner only)
  • 10/4 (dinner only)
  • 10/5 (dinner only)

Customers who ate inside the restaurant during these times could be at risk for hepatitis A.

Pontiac, Mich. Sept. 21, 2023 – Oakland County Health Division is providing an update on the suspected case of hepatitis A associated with the Ivy Lounge at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston: the case was confirmed by MDHHS Laboratory. The Health Division advises all season members, their guests and staff who consumed food at the Ivy Lounge between Aug. 26 – Sept. 8 to monitor for symptoms, and if unvaccinated for hepatitis A, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. 

“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,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County medical director. “For anyone who is not vaccinated for hepatitis A, we encourage getting vaccination to protect against future exposures.” 

For people who were possibly exposed to hepatitis A from Aug. 26 – Sept. 8 at the Ivy Lounge, below is a breakdown of exposure dates: 

Exposure date 

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) 

Sept. 8 (Jason Aldean concert) 

All individuals potentially exposed should watch for hepatitis A symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you become ill to report you have a known hepatitis A exposure. 

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 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. 

Health Division offices are located at the following addresses: 

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

If you have insurance, check with your health care/insurance provider for possible benefit coverage. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. A discounted/sliding fee schedule is available. Vaccine fees are charged to individuals who are not eligible for federal and/or state programs that cover vaccination costs. Payment options include cash and credit card. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children up to 18-years-old. 

More information about hepatitis A can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com. Regular Nurse on Call hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter). 

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248- 858-1048. 

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Ten people in Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii have contracted Hepatitis A linked to the consumption of frozen strawberries. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that frozen organic strawberries, imported fresh from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico in 2022, are the source of this outbreak. The hepatitis A virus strain causing illnesses in this outbreak is genetically identical to the strain that caused a foodborne hepatitis A outbreak in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.

In response to this investigation, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California voluntarily recalled certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, California; Hawaii; and two San Diego, California business centers. The lots subject to this recall include: 140962-08, 142222-23, 142792-54, 142862-57, 142912-59, 142162-20, 142202-21, 142782-53, 142852-56, 142902-58, 142212-22, 142232-24, 142842-55. In response to this investigation, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries, sold to Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states. 

Other products subject to this recall include: 

California Splendor, Inc. Recall

Scenic Fruit Company Recall

Meijer Recall

Wawona Recall

Willamette Valley Fruit Co. Recall

As of June 12, 2023, a total of 9 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 3 states – Washington, Oregon and California.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to April 12, 2023. Ill people range in age from 38 to 64 years, with a median age of 56 years. Thirty-three percent of ill people are female. Of 9 people with available information, 3 (33%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that frozen organic strawberries, imported fresh from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico in 2022, are the likely source of this outbreak. The hepatitis A virus strain causing illnesses in this outbreak is genetically identical to the strain that caused a foodborne hepatitis A outbreak in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.

In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and other exposures in the 2 to 7 weeks before they became ill. Of people who were interviewed, 9/9 (100%) reported eating frozen organic strawberries. This proportion was significantly higher than results from a survey of healthy people in which 24% reported eating frozen berries in the week before they were interviewed.

In response to this investigation, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California voluntarily recalled certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, California; Hawaii; and two San Diego, California business centers. The lots subject to this recall include: 140962-08, 142222-23, 142792-54, 142862-57, 142912-59, 142162-20, 142202-21, 142782-53, 142852-56, 142902-58, 142212-22, 142232-24, 142842-55.

In response to this investigation, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries, sold to Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states. Products subject to this recall include:

Brand NameProduct NameNet Wt.UPCBest By Date, Best If Use Date, Best Before DateDistributed in States
Simply NatureOrganic Strawberries24 oz.40991002562226/14/2024Arizona,
Arkansas,
California,
Illinois,
Iowa,
Michigan,
Minnesota,
Missouri,
North Dakota,
Ohio,
South Dakota,
Wisconsin
Vital ChoiceOrganic Strawberries16 oz.8342970050245/20/2024Washington
Kirkland SignatureOrganic Strawberries4 lbs.9661914040410/8/2024Alaska,
Idaho,
Montana,
Oregon,
Utah,
Washington
Made WithOrganic Strawberries10 oz.81434302139011/20/2024Illinois,
Maryland
PCC Community MarketsOrganic Strawberries32 oz.2282710946929/10/2024Washington
Trader Joe’sOrganic Tropical Fruit Blend Pineapple, Bananas, Strawberries & Mango16 oz.0051191904/25/24,
05/12/24,
05/23/24,
05/30/24,
06/07/24		Nationwide

On March 17, 2023, a retailer, Meijer, also issued press to voluntarily recall Made-With brand frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations.

In response to this investigation, on June 7, 2023, Wawona Frozen Foods of Clovis, California, initiated a voluntary recallof year-old packages of Wawona brand Organic DayBreak Blend 4-lb. bags that were distributed to Costco Wholesale stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington from April 15, 2022, to June 26, 2022, with “Use By” dates of 9/23/2023, 9/29/2023, 9/30/2023, and 10/18/2023:

Best If Used By 09/23/2023Best If Used By 09/29/2023Best If Used By 09/30/2023Best If Used By 10/18/2023
Affected Lot Codes:Affected Lot Codes:Affected Lot Codes:Affected Lot Codes:
20082D0420088D0420089D0920108D04
20082D0520088D0520089D1020108D05
20082D0620088D0620089D1120108D06
20082D0720088D0720089D1220108D07
20082D0820088D0820108D08
20088D09
20088D10
20088D11
20088D12

FDA’s investigation is ongoing; additional products might be included in the future.