Cases of hepatitis A have been reported at two restaurants in Michigan, according to news sources. The Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness is investigating illnesses at Uncle Paul’s Pizza at 21215 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods, and Cabbage Patch Cafe & Catering at 15110 Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park. Some news outlets state that there are two people sick; others say “multiple cases.”
Anyone who ate food or drank beverages from those facilities between August 1 and September 29, 2017 should either be vaccinated or watch for symptoms of the illness. Anyone who ate at those restaurants on or after September 18, 2017 can be vaccinated against the disease. If you ate at those places before that date, it’s too late for a shot.
There is a larger hepatitis A outbreak in southeast Michigan. The virus is spread through eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, and through close contact with an ill person.
Both of the restaurants have closed voluntarily, and are working with public health officials. There is no word on whether an employee is ill, or if customers have been diagnosed with this illness.
The symptoms of hepatitis A include yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, dark urine, clay colored stool, vomiting, fever, and chills. These symptoms usually begin 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus. Patients can be ill for several weeks to months.
Most people recover on their own, but some, especially those with pre-existing liver disease, can become seriously ill. Hepatitis A can be prevented with vaccinations. If you ate at those restaurants, call your doctor and talk about either the vaccination or what to do if you are exhibiting symptoms.
You can help prevent the spread of this illness by washing your hands with soap and water after changing diapers, using the bathroom, or taking care of someone who is ill. Always wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food and before eating. Avoid undercooked or raw shellfish. Stay home from work or school if you are sick, especially with diarrhea. And don’t prepare food or drink for other people if you are sick.
The hepatitis A vaccination is available at many clinics and pharmacies. If you have had the vaccination or if you have had hepatitis A, you won’t get this illness again.
