Hep A Case Surfaces at O‘ahu McDonald’s

Hepatitis virons. Author:
Dr. Erskine Palmer, USCDCP

The state Department of Health has confirmed an additional case of hepatitis A in an O‘ahu food service worker.

The infected case is an employee at McDonald’s of Kahala, located at 4618 Kilauea Ave. in Honolulu.

Affected dates of service are Sept. 20–21, 23–24, 27–29, and Oct. 1, 4–5, 7 and 11, 2016.

“This case was identified and reported to us later in their illness, but had their symptom onset within the 50-day maximum incubation period from the date the scallops were embargoed,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park. “The department will continue to investigate all reported cases of hepatitis A and remain alert for other late-presenting cases as well as secondary cases.”

The likelihood that patrons of this business will become infected is very low.

DOH is providing this information to the public as a precaution to prevent any new cases. To date, 291 cases of hepatitis A have been confirmed as part of the outbreak investigation that began in August. Updated case counts and information are provided at: http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/hepatitis-a-outbreak-2016.

Vaccination provides the best protection from hepatitis A, so any person who consumed food or beverage products prepared or served at this business during the identified periods may want to contact their healthcare providers about receiving a vaccine or immune globulin (IG). This may provide some protection against the disease if administered within two weeks after exposure.

A statewide list of vaccinating pharmacies can be downloaded or can be obtained by calling the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1

Help prevent the spread of hepatitis A by washing your hands often and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food. For more information on proper hand washing, go online.