The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) in New York state has issued an alert regarding a potential Hepatitis A exposure at a recent food demonstration held at Ace Hardware in the city of Rome. An individual who was infectious with the Hepatitis A virus participated in preparing and cooking food samples during the event, putting attendees who consumed the food at risk of contracting the illness.
Health officials are urging any patrons who sampled the food at the hardware store demonstration to take immediate action. The Hepatitis A vaccine is effective in preventing infection if administered within two weeks (14 days) of exposure. For those who attended the event on Saturday, June 8th, they must receive preventive treatment by Saturday, June 22nd, to ensure protection.
However, individuals who consumed the food on June 1st have already passed the window to receive the vaccine. These individuals are advised to closely monitor themselves for potential symptoms of Hepatitis A infection.
To accommodate those potentially exposed, the OCHD has scheduled a dedicated Hepatitis A vaccination clinic on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments can be made by visiting the health department’s website or calling 315-798-5747 and pressing option 2.
It is crucial for those affected to act promptly, as Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious liver disease if left untreated. Symptoms typically appear within 28 days of exposure but can range from 15 to 50 days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs and symptoms may include yellow skin or eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, fever, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or beverages, or by using utensils that have been handled by an infected individual. Person-to-person transmission can also occur through ingesting contaminated substances.
Ace Hardware of Rome has been notified of the potential Hepatitis A exposure and is cooperating with the OCHD’s investigation and follow-up inspections.
“Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease,” said Daniel W. Gilmore, Ph.D. MPH, Director of Health. “If you’ve been exposed and not yet vaccinated, please do so to protect yourself.”
The health department’s swift response and proactive measures aim to minimize the risk of further transmission and prevent a potential outbreak. By raising awareness and providing accessible vaccination options, officials hope to safeguard public health and contain the spread of this highly contagious illness.
Commenting on this article, one national food safety attorney said, “Hepatitis A is typically temporary and rarely results in long-term consequences. However, if left untreated then acute liver failure could lead to death. I recommend anyone who believes they were exposed to Hepatitis A to seek medical care immediately.”
