Hepatitis A Exposure Possible at Oakland County Restaurant

BIRMINGHAM, MI — Patrons who ate or had drinks at a Birmingham restaurant from July 16-Aug. 6 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus, health officials said Wednesday.

A food-service worker at the Social Kitchen and Bar, 225 E. Maple Road in Birmingham, was diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to an alert from the Oakland County Health Division and Wayne County Wellness Services Division, in coordination with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The food service worker is a resident of Wayne County.

Patrons who ate or drank at the establishment during the three-week period should monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A infection, which include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, fever, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes. Oakland County Health Division is conducting outreach to restaurant employees to recommend prophylaxis treatment.

Hepatitis A vaccine, or immune globulin (IG), may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure — which means those who consumed food or a beverage at the restaurant between July 27 and Aug. 6 should promptly contact their health-care provider to receive vaccination.

Hepatitis A vaccine may be available at some major pharmacies in Michigan. People who have had hepatitis A disease or previously received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine do not need to be immunized for hepatitis A again.

Time from exposure to onset of illness (incubation period) is typically 15 to 50 days. Duration of illness typically lasts several weeks to several months. Treatment of hepatitis A is supportive, and most people will recover without complications.

While vaccination provides the best protection, frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. Appropriately cooking foods can also help prevent infection.

Anyone who develops symptoms of hepatitis A infection should stay home and contact their health-care provider.

Please call your local health department if you have any questions or require assistance in locating hepatitis A vaccine or IG. The Oakland Health Division can be reached at (248) 848-5533 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Wayne County Wellness Services Division can be reached at (734) 727-7078 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

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