A case of hepatitis A has been confirmed in a worker at a restaurant at the University of North Dakota (UND), according to North Dakota Health and Human Services. In response, Grand Forks Public Health will host a free hepatitis A vaccine clinic for exposed persons from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the UND Memorial Union, Small Ballroom. Parking is available on Levels 4-5 of the nearby ramp.
The Health and Human Services release stated that there has been one confirmed case of hepatitis A in a food worker, possibly exposed following out-of-state travel. Although no additional cases have been identified, people who ate at the UND Memorial Union’s Chick-fil-A restaurant could possibly have been exposed to the contagious liver infection.
Health and Human Services listed the specific dates and times at the Memorial Union Chick-fil-A restaurant when exposure could have occurred. The potential exposure dates range from Jan. 15 to Feb. 7, with varying times of operation.
The release also emphasized that cases of hepatitis A can happen in the U.S. in connection to eating contaminated food or drink, person-to-person contact, or from other high-risk exposures. It can take about 15 to 50 days after being exposed to Hepatitis A to develop symptoms. The best way to prevent infection in exposed individuals is to receive a hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. 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. Health and Human Services recommends that unvaccinated people who may have been exposed contact their health care provider to receive hepatitis A vaccine.
Furthermore, Health and Human Services highlighted the symptoms of hepatitis A, which include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes). The release also emphasized that hepatitis A can be prevented by careful hand washing after using the toilet or diaper changing and that infected people should not handle foods during their contagious period.
The Health and Human Service release notes that hepatitis A symptoms generally last about two months, although some people can be ill for as long as six months. Hospitalization might be required for more severe infections. If hepatitis A symptoms develop, individuals should exclude themselves from activities for one
