Recent Hepatitis A Exposure at Ace Hardware of Rome

Rome, N.Y. – The Oneida County Health Department has issued a warning regarding a potential Hepatitis A exposure incident at Ace Hardware in Rome. The exposure occurred during a food demonstration where an Ace employee, unknowingly infected with Hepatitis A, prepared and cooked food on Saturday, June 1, and Saturday, June 8. Individuals who consumed the food during these dates may have been exposed to the virus.

The Health Department advises individuals who sampled food at the store during the mentioned dates to be aware of the potential exposure. The Hepatitis A vaccine is effective if administered within two weeks or 14 days of exposure. For those who consumed the food on Saturday, June 8, it is crucial to seek preventive treatment by Saturday, June 22.

Individuals who consumed food on Saturday, June 1, are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms as they are past the window for receiving the vaccine. Symptoms of Hepatitis A typically appear within 28 days of exposure, with a range of 15 to 50 days. Common symptoms, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include yellow skin and eyes.

If you believe you may have been exposed, Hepatitis A vaccinations can be obtained through your primary doctor or the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD). A vaccination clinic has been scheduled for Friday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit the Important Notices section on ocgov.net or call 315-798-5747 and press 2.

Due to the closure of Oneida County offices for the Juneteenth holiday on Wednesday, June 19, individuals are advised to leave a message with their name, date of birth, phone number, and date of exposure. To manage the expected high call volume, it is recommended to leave only one message, and calls will be returned promptly.