A hepatitis A outbreak is associated with Doino’s Pizzeria Bar and Grille at 2709 Harlem Road in Cheektowaga, New York. That’s near Buffalo, New York. Mark Poloncarz, of Erie County, New York, posted this information on his Facebook page. There is no info about this outbreak on the Erie County Department of Health page. A cook there was diagnosed with hepatitis A. Three people have been sickened.
Anyone who ate at that restaurant from August 20, 2018 to September 3, 2018, may have been infected. Unfortunately, it’s too late for a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccination, since those are only effective when given within 2 weeks of exposure. The outbreak was only announced yesterday, October 1, 2018.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, clay-colored bowel movements, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), loss of appetite, fever, and joint pain. These symptoms usually start 2 weeks to 50 days after someone is exposed to the virus.
If you are experiencing any of those symptoms after visiting Doino’s Pizzeria Bar and Grille during the above time frame, see your doctor. This virus is very contagious; in fact, there is a hepatitis A outbreak that is ongoing in many parts of the U.S. right now. And unfortunately, people are contagious two weeks before they show any symptoms.
You can contact attorney Fred Pritzker for help at 1-888-377-8900.
Food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker, who has represented many people sickened with hepatitis A, said, “It’s critical that restaurant owners and managers make sure their employees are vaccinated against this pathogenic virus. Hepatitis A outbreaks are occurring all over the country.”
The best way to prevent these outbreaks is to get a vaccination against the virus. You are given a series of two vaccines. This vaccination is critical if you work with the public, especially in the food industry or in healthcare.
It’s also critical to practice good hygiene. The virus is passed through feces. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing a diaper, and after taking care of someone who is sick with a diarrheal illness. Stay home from work or school if you are sick. And if you do get sick, see a doctor as soon as possible.
