Food Service Worker Has Hepatitis A: Philly Health Department

PHILADELPHIA — A worker at a Philadelphia eatery has been diagnosed with acute Hepatitis A, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

The department recently confirmed that a person who works for Yumcious Donuts, located at 3001 Kensington Ave., has acute Hepatitis A.

While the risk of Hepatitis A infection is very low, the Health Department recommends that people who purchased donuts from Yumcious or the Quick Stop location at the same address between Tuesday, Aug. 20 and Wednesday, Sept. 4, receive Hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible.

On Aug. 1, a public health emergency was declared in response to continuing rapid increases in Hepatitis A in the city.

People who have previously received two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine or have had Hepatitis A in the past do not need to be vaccinated.

The Health Department is also offering Hepatitis A vaccine at McPherson Square Park on Thursday, Sept. 19 and Tues, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you need assistance getting Hepatitis A vaccine, contact the health department at (215) 685-6741 during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is through vaccination with the Hepatitis A vaccine. To get the full benefit of the Hepatitis A vaccine, more than one shot is needed.

Practicing good hand hygiene – including thoroughly washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food – plays an important role in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A.

People who need Hepatitis A vaccine should contact their healthcare provider’s office or visit a pharmacy to receive vaccine. The Health Department maintains an online list of pharmacies that can provide hepatitis A vaccine. Check with the individual pharmacy to determine whether your insurance is accepted.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. It can spread when a person who has Hepatitis A does not wash their hands very thoroughly after using the bathroom and then prepares food.

People infected with Hepatitis A usually develop symptoms two to six weeks after they had contact with the virus. Illness can range from mild cases of diarrhea and vomiting to more severe symptoms of jaundice.

Other symptoms include fever, low energy, stomach pain, and dark urine. There is no medication to treat Hepatitis A. Many people get better on their own at home but some people can become very sick and need to be hospitalized.

If you develop Hepatitis A symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information on Hepatitis A.