Hepatitis A Exposure: Westchester County Offering Additional Clinic For Treatment

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY — The Westchester County Department of Health is adding a fourth free clinic on Tuesday in White Plains to provide preventive treatment to people who may have been exposed to Hepatitis A through an ill employee at Monteverde at Oldstone, a restaurant and event space in Cortlandt Manor.

The newly scheduled clinic is being held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20 at the Westchester County Health Department clinic at 134 Court Street in White Plains. Preventive treatment consists of Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin, a blood product.

For those unable to attend during clinic hours on Tuesday, the Health Department will work with them to find a convenient time. No appointments are needed but individuals interested in attending a clinic are encouraged to pre-register online or call the Health Department at 914-995-7499.

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The Health Department treated about 130 people at three clinics held today, Wednesday and Thursday, according to a spokeswoman. About 350 people are estimated to have dined at the restaurant between May 24 and June 10.

Preventive treatment is only effective if given within 14 days of the exposure. However, failure to be vaccinated does not necessarily result in infection. Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their doctor or the Health Department immediately.

SEE ALSO: Hepatitis Exposure In The Hudson Valley: Warning for Patrons of Monteverde Restaurant

The patrons include a wedding party with guests from 11 states.

The Health Department is being assisted in reaching wedding guests by health departments in the 11 states and New York City. The states are Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, California, the District of Columbia, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut and Illinois. A number of people connected with the wedding have already received treatment.

Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water or through direct contact with an infectious person. Hepatitis A is generally a mild illness that affects the liver. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, poor appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes, and can develop from two weeks to two months after exposure.

For more information about Hepatitis A and other health topics, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000 or visit the website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

Patch file photo.