A food worker at Yumcious Donuts at the Quick Stop at 3001 Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to news reports. That person worked at that location between August 20, 2019 and September 4, 2019.
While the risk of contracting the illness is “very low” according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, they are recommending that anyone who ate there within the last two weeks get vaccinated against the pathogenic virus. Unfortunately, at this time everyone who ate there when the worker was contagious is past the two week window when the vaccine is effective.
If you have been vaccinated against hepatitis A in the past or have had the illness you are likely immune. Call your doctor and discuss this if you are concerned if you ate at Yumcious Donuts during the time frame mentioned above.
There is a hepatitis A outbreak in Philadelphia, and a public health emergency was declared on August 1, 2019. As of September 19, 2019, there are 290 hepatitis A cases in Philadelphia so far this year. The health department has a list of pharmacies that are offering the vaccine. You must be 18 or older to get this vaccination. Even if you are past the two week window, getting the vaccine will protect you against any exposures in the future.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, clay colored stools, diarrhea, dark urine, a fever, and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms generally appear within 15 to 50 days after exposure. And people are infectious for two weeks before symptoms begin.
Anyone who works with the public should consider getting vaccinated against the virus. Other ways to prevent the spread of this illness are to stay home from work or school when you are sick, and always washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, taking care of someone who is sick, and before preparing or serving food.
