ICYMI: Diners at Merrick Deli May Have Been Exposed to Hepatitis A

Diners who ate at a Merrick deli in August may have been exposed to hepatitis A from an infected worker, the Nassau County Department of Health Says.

According to the DOH, there was a confirmed case of hepatitis A in a food handler who worked at Park Delicatessen, located at 1420 Park Ave. in North Merrick. Patrons who ate there between Aug. 2-5, Aug. 9-11, Aug. 16-18 and Aug. 20 may have been exposed to hepatitis A.

Since the recommendation for immunization against hepatitis A is within two weeks of exposure to an infected person, patrons are advised to observe for symptoms and consult with their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of illness. Individuals who have been vaccinated for hepatitis A or who have had the illness in the past are protected from hepatitis A infection and considered immune.

The symptoms of hepatitis A may range from mild to severe and include an abrupt onset of fever, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark-colored urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). The disease is rarely fatal, and most people recover in a few weeks without any complications. The symptoms commonly appear within 28 days of exposure, with a range of 15-50 days.

There are no medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat a person once symptoms appear. Generally, bed rest is all that is needed. Thorough hand washing after bathroom use, and before, during and after food preparation is the most important means to prevent the spread of this and other intestinal illnesses. Sharing of food and utensils should be discouraged, especially whenever anyone is ill.

Hepatitis A virus may be spread by consuming food or drink that has been handled by an infected person. It may also be spread from person to person by placing something into the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A.

For additional information on the potential hepatitis A exposure at Park Delicatessen, call the Nassau County Department of Health at 516-227-9639. Additional information on hepatitis A is available on the New York State Department of Health website.

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