DOH Confirms Another Hep A Case on O‘ahu

Big Island Now stock photo. July 2016.

The Hawa‘ii State Department of Health has confirmed another new case of hepatitis A infection in a food service employee.

The employee worked at Taco Bell in Waipio at 94-790 Uke‘e Street.

The DOH is advising persons who consumed any food or drink products from this store between June 16 and July 11, 2016, that they may have been exposed to the disease (actual dates are June 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30 and July 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11).

The DOH is also investigating a confirmed case of hepatitis A in a food service employee at Baskin-Robbins at the Waikele Center in Waipahu. The department is advising persons who consumed any food or drink products from this store between June 17 and July 3, 2016 (actual dates: June 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 30, and July 1 and 3) they may have been exposed to the disease.

Since the outbreak began, there have been over 50 cases of hepatitis A reported to and now confirmed by DOH. All cases have been in adults on O‘ahu.

The department issued a Medical Advisory to all healthcare providers on June 30 urging them to be vigilant and report all suspected hepatitis A infection immediately.

Unvaccinated individuals should contact their healthcare providers about the possibility of receiving hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin, which may provide some protection against the disease if administered within the first two weeks after exposure.

“It is important to note that neither the Waikele Baskin-Robbins nor the Waipio Taco Bell have been identified as the source of infection for this outbreak,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.

“These are merely places where the victims were employed,” she said. “The likelihood that patrons of these food establishments will become infected is very low, but to prevent possible additional cases, we are notifying the public so they may seek advice and help from their healthcare providers.”

Additional food service establishments may be affected as the number of cases continues to grow.

Individuals, including food service employees, exhibiting symptoms of hepatitis A should stay home and contact their healthcare provider. All food service employees should strictly adhere to good handwashing and food handling practices.

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes.

While vaccination provides the best protection, frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Appropriately cooking foods can also help prevent infection.

Additional information about hepatitis A can be found on the DOH website.

For a list of vaccinating pharmacies, go online or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.