A food worker at Imperial Kitchen, located at 3164 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Anyone who purchased food from Imperial Kitchen between July 21 and August 6, 2019 may have been exposed to the pathogenic virus.
Those vaccines are only effective if given within two weeks of exposure. Anyone who was ate at Imperial Kitchen more than two weeks ago may no longer be eligible for a vaccine; check with your doctor to make sure.
The health department is offering the hepatitis A vaccine at no cost on Thursday, August 22, 2019 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at McPherson Square Park. You can contact the health department at 215-685-6741 during business hours if you have questions.
There is a hepatitis A outbreak in the Philadelphia area, according to public health officials. On August 1, 2019, the Health Commissioner declared a public health emergency in response to this outbreak.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, lack of energy, stomach and abdominal pain, dark urine, and clay colored stools. Symptoms usually start two to six weeks after exposure. And a person who is infected is contagious two weeks before symptoms even begin. If you develop these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Anyone who has received two courses of the hepatitis A vaccine, or anyone who has had hepatitis A in the past has immunity against this virus. The best way to prevent the spread of this illness is through vaccination with the hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccine. In addition, make sure that you always wash your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom, after taking care of someone who is sick, and before preparing and serving food. Anyone who works with the public should consider getting vaccinated.
