The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is warning consumers that if they ate cold food or uncooked food at Roy Moore’s Fish Shack in Rockport, Massachusetts between April 21 and May 12, 2019 may have been exposed to hepatitis A. A food service employee of the restaurant who worked there during those dates has been confirmed as sick with hepatitis A.
Anyone who ate there after May 6, 2019 can get a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccination to protect themselves against the illness. Anyone who ate there before May 6, 2019 can only monitor themselves for the symptoms of the illness. The vaccinations are only effective if given within two weeks of exposure.
The cold or uncooked foods that were available at Roy Moore’s Fish Shack include salads and salad items, rolls, bread, hamburger and hot dog buns, fruit or vegetable garnishes, cold desserts, hamburger or sandwich condiments such as pickles and onions, chips, as well as ice or beverages containing ice.
Symptoms of hepatitis A, which is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects the liver, include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), clay-colored stools, and dark urine. Most people get sick within 15 to 50 days of exposure to the virus.
People with this illness are highly infectious, especially the two weeks before symptoms even appear. And even people who have a very mild illness are very contagious.
The best way to prevent this illness is to be vaccinated against the virus. You can also be very careful about washing your hands after using the toilet, after taking care of someone who is ill, and before food preparation. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with running water and dry with a clean paper towel or cloth towel. If you are sick, especially with a diarrheal illness, stay home from work or school.
