Feb. 16, 2018, Pontiac, Mich. – An employee of Red Lobster, 27760 Novi Rd. in Novi, has a confirmed case of hepatitis A. Guests who consumed food from the restaurant between Jan. 14 - Feb. 14 may have been exposed to hepatitis A.
“Vaccination can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after potential exposure,” said Kathy Forzley, director of health & human services for Oakland County. “If you have eaten at this location during these dates and have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A or have a sudden onset of any symptoms, contact your doctor.”
Oakland County Health Division’s Nurse on Call phone line will be open until 7:00 p.m. tonight, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Monday to answer any questions. Please call 800-848-5533 or email noc@oakgov.com.
The Health Division will host two special Hepatitis A vaccine clinics. No other vaccines will be available at the following clinics:
- Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac.
- Monday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 1010 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake in the Easterseals office.
The hepatitis A vaccine is also available through some healthcare providers and many pharmacies. Call ahead to ensure your provider or pharmacy has the vaccine available. Vaccines are available at both Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield at the following addresses:
- North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
- South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
Regular clinic hours are Mondays, noon – 8 p.m. and Tuesdays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pre-payment and registration are not available at these walk-in clinics. The Pontiac and Southfield clinics will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19 in observance of President’s Day.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. The virus is shed in feces and is most commonly spread from person to person by unclean hands contaminated with feces. Symptoms of infection may include sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and/or vomiting often followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Symptoms may appear from 14-50 days after exposure, but average about one month.
“Michigan is experiencing a serious hepatitis A outbreak. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months,” said Dr. Pamela Hackert, medical director for the Health Division. “Hepatitis A is contagious but preventable with vaccination, good hygiene, and proper sanitation of surfaces.”
The hepatitis A vaccine consists of two doses, given six months apart, and costs $36 per adult dose. If you have insurance, check with your healthcare/insurance provider for possible benefit coverage. The Health Division participates in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program which offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children up to 18-years-old. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. A discounted/sliding fee schedule is available. Payment options include cash and credit card. Credit card fees apply. Please bring all insurance cards and identification to the clinic.
To reduce the risk of hepatitis A:
- Get the hepatitis A vaccine.
- Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food. Rub hands vigorously with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect all surface areas, especially while someone in the household or workplace has symptoms. Particular care needs to be taken with areas such as toilets, sinks, trash, door knobs, and faucet handles.
- Do not prepare food if you have symptoms and refrain from food preparation for at least three days after symptoms have ended.
- Exclude ill food service workers from the establishment immediately until clearance from OCHD is received.
For more information about hepatitis A, visit www.oakgov.com/health. Nurse on Call is available at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY: Please contact Kathy Forzley, director of health and human services at Oakland County, at 248-858-1410.
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