Politics & Government

Hepatitis A Outbreak Traced To Montgomery County Restaurant

An investigation is ongoing, but authorities said an outbreak has been traced back to a local establishment.

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

WEST NORRITON, PA — A Montgomery County eatery has been shut down after a Hepatitis A outbreak in the region was traced back to the establishment, officials announced on Friday.

Gino’s Ristorante and Pizzeria in West Norriton is closed indefinitely as an investigation continues.

At least 11 total cases are under investigation, with 9 confirmed and 2 others possible, the Montgomery County Office of Public Health said.

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Of those cases, 7 have been hospitalized, one death is confirmed, and another death is being investigated.

Authorities believe the outbreak began in November, and current data suggests that the outbreak "no longer presents a risk." However, officials are continuing to look into the situation.

Find out what's happening in Norristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The county's Office of Public Health is working alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The state issued a health advisory earlier this week after the first cases were confirmed.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection, common among drug users and homeless communities. It can be prevented by vaccination. Symptoms include:

  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Not wanting to eat
  • Upset stomach
  • Throwing up
  • Stomach pain
  • Fever
  • Dark urine or light-colored stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Joint pain
  • Feeling tired

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