Hepatitis A case located at restaurant in Oakland County

An employee at a Novi restaurant has a confirmed case of hepatitis A.

Guests who dined at the Red Lobster at 27760 Novi Road between Jan. 14 and Feb. 14 may have been exposed to the disease, according to the Oakland County Health Division.

“Vaccination can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after potential exposure,” said Kathy Forzley, director of health and human services for Oakland County, in a news release. “If you have eaten at this location during these dates and have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A or have a sudden onset of any symptoms, contact your doctor.”

The Health Division will host two special hepatitis A vaccine clinics:

• From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac.
• From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday at 1010 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake in the Easterseals office.

The hepatitis A vaccine is also available through some healthcare providers and pharmacies. 

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus shed in feces and is most commonly spread from person to person by unclean hands contaminated with feces, according to the county.

Symptoms include: sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and vomiting often followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms can appear between 14 and 50 days after exposure.

“Michigan is experiencing a serious hepatitis A outbreak. 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.”

Ways to reduce the risk, according to the health division:

• 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. 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 it for at least three days after symptoms have ended.
• Exclude ill food service workers from the establishment immediately until clearance from the health division is received.