Hawaii’s Department of Health said Tuesday that it is investigating a confirmed case of hepatitis A in a food-service employee at Baskin-Robbins’ ice-cream store at the Waikele Center, in Waipahu, the latest case in a broader outbreak across Oahu.
The department advised that if you had anything to eat or drink from that store between June 17 and July 3, you may have been exposed to the disease. Unless you’re already vaccinated against hepatitis A, you should contact your medical provider about getting a vaccination or an immune globulin shot, health officials said. Such shots can provide some protection against the illness if received within two weeks of the exposure.
The department has confirmed 52 cases of Hepatitis A on Oahu in the current outbreak, all among adults. Sixteen of those required hospitalization. The source of the outbreak hasn’t been determined.
“In the meantime, we encourage all persons to consider and talk to their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated,鈥 said State Epidemiologist Sarah Park. 聽She said anyone, 鈥渋ncluding food service employees, exhibiting symptoms of hepatitis A infection should stay home and contact their healthcare provider.鈥
Symptoms include聽fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes, and typically last several weeks to as long as two months. The hepatitis A virus is found in the stool of those infected, and can be passed through personal contact or by eating contaminated food or drink. Thoroughly washing one’s hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom can help prevent the spread of the disease, officials said.
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