Hepatitis A Exposure at New York’s La Roma Pizzeria
In a local pizzeria in Rome, New York, known as La Roma, an employee has recently tested positive for Hepatitis A. La Roma pizzeria is located at 600 Floyd Avenue. After investigation, health officials have concluded that there is not any evidence of improper sanitary procedures which could have caused the exposure of Hepatitis A to the restaurant’s customers. However, the local Health Department concludes that the infected employee had worked at La Roma’s before becoming aware that he had tested positive for Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable virus which causes infection in the liver and is usually transmitted through person-to-person contact, via fecal-oral route, or through the consumption of contaminated food or drink. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fatigue and stomach irritation like cramps, nausea, or jaundice. The symptoms of Hepatitis present themselves within 2 weeks and usually resolve themselves within 2 months. Once an individual has contracted Hepatitis A, they cannot contract it again due to the formation of antibodies. Hepatitis A infection does not generally pose a threat to otherwise healthy individuals, however, it can be dangerous for elderly or those with prior liver damage.
It should be noted that the Hepatitis A vaccine is only effective if administered within two weeks of exposure to the virus. The local Health Department’s director, Phyllis D. Ellis, BSN, MS, FACHE, says “those who consumed food prepared by the restaurant between April 27, 2020 and May 4, 2020 must receive preventive treatment within 14 days of exposure”. Anyone who has eaten at La Roma Pizzeria between these dates should immediately set up an appointment to receive the vaccine. Vaccination appointments can be made through the local Health Department’s line by calling (315)-798-5747 and pressing 1. The Health Department notes that the vaccine will not be effective for anyone who ate at La Roma Pizzeria prior to April 27. However, those who have eaten at La Roma’s within the given time frame, as well as those past the date for vaccination effectiveness, should watch for any of these symptoms, in order to prevent the further spread of the virus.
https://romesentinel.com/stories/employee-at-rome-restaurant-tests-positive-for-hepatitis-a,97938
