3rd Death Investigated In Eastern PA Hepatitis A Outbreak:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — A third death is under investigation in the hepatitis A outbreak in Montgomery County which has already been linked to at least two other deaths and 13 total illnesses.

Details on the age and location of the potential third victim have not been publicly released by authorities.

The outbreak of the highly contagious virus was traced to Gino's Ristorante and Pizzeria in West Norriton earlier this month, the Montgomery County Department of Public Health said. That establishment has been closed ever since as the investigation continues.

Health experts say it's likely that there are more than a dozen cases, as all cases were probably not reported. It's believed the outbreak began in November, but officials say that current data indicates that the outbreak "no longer presents a risk."

It's not yet clear if, or how, the third death is connected to the eatery.

In a statement, Gino's said they were "shocked and saddened" by the outbreak, noting that all of their employees tested negative for the virus and have received the vaccine.

"Our restaurant has been inspected and no evidence of any airborne or transmittable disease has been found," they said. "The cleanliness of our facility, our refrigeration, food handling and water temperatures have been approved."

Gino's added that they are cooperating with the Health Department on the investigation.

Of the 13 total illnesses, 10 have been confirmed as hepatitis A, a spokesperson for the county told Patch on Wednesday. Three are under investigation.

In an advisory issued to hospitals around the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Health warned physicians and healthcare providers to be on the lookout for symptoms of hepatitis A.