The Southeastern Idaho Public Health Department released a statement today stating that the patrons of Papa Murphy’s in Chubbuck, Idaho may have been exposed to Hepatitis A in April. An employee from the restaurant was diagnosed with the disease on May 2, 2013. There is no evidence of a Hepatitis A outbreak at this time.
Public health officials are recommending that anyone who is not immune to Hepatitis A and ate uncooked food (such as salad, uncooked pizza toppings, or uncooked cookie dough) from Papa Murphy’s on April 19, 20 or 21 receive a Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG) immediately. In addition, anyone who ate uncooked food from Papa Murphy’s from April 6 to April 18, 2013 should contact their doctor if they are exhibiting any symptoms of Hepatitis A. A vaccine is too late for those customers, since it must be given within two weeks of exposure.
Southeastern Idaho Public Health will have vaccines available for those who are at risk. Call their hotline at 234-5888 to be screened and to make an appointment. Vaccine clinics will be held Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Southeastern Idaho Public Health.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children and adults from the ages of 12 months to 40 years who are not pregnant, immune-compromised, or have chronic liver disease. The immune globulin (IG) vaccine is recommended if you are older than 40, are pregnant, immune-compromised, or are an infant less than 1 year old.
If you ate at Papa John’s between April 6 and April 19, you need to monitor yourself for the symptoms of Hepatitis A, which include fever, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, tiredness, nausea, and dark urine.
