An employee of Papa Romano’s at 23926 West Nine Mile Road and Telegraph in Southfield, Michigan has a confirmed case of hepatitis A, according to the Oakland County Heath Division. Anyone who consumed food or drink from that facility from November 22 to November 26, 2017 needs to get a hepatitis A vaccination.
There is only a two-week window between the time of possible exposure and the time a vaccination is effective. That means anyone who ate there on November 22, 2017 must be vaccinated by tomorrow.
Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County said in the press release, “Vaccination can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after potential exposure. Southeast Michigan is experiencing a serious hepatitis A outbreak. All residents are urged to get vaccinated, especially food handlers and healthcare providers, and to wash hands thoroughly.
The virus is easily spread through contaminated food and drink, through person-to-person contact, and through touching contaminated surfaces. The virus is shed in the feces. When someone who is sick doesn’t wash their hands well after using the bathroom, their hands can be contaminated. Anything they touch will then carry the virus.
Symptoms of a hepatitis A infection include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, clay colored stools, vomiting, lethargy, and jaundice. These symptoms can appear from 14 to 50 after after exposure, but most people get sick about a month later.
While most people are sick for a few weeks and recover, some, especially those with liver disease and compromised immune systems, can become seriously ill and need to be hospitalized. Some people can die.
The Health Division Offices in Pontiac and Southfield are offering vaccinations to the public. They are North Oakland Health Center, at 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, in Pontiac, and South Oakland Health Center, at 27725 Greenfield Road in Southfield. The hours are noon to 8:00 pm on Mondays, and 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Tuesdays through Fridays.
The hepatitis A vaccination is two doses, given six months apart, and costs $64 per adult dose. The press release states, however, that no one will be denied access to services because they cannot pay. And a discounted/sliding fee schedule is available
