Birmingham restaurant worker diagnosed with Hepatitis A

Restaurant goers advised to receive vaccination

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A food service worker at Social Kitchen and Bar in Birmingham has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

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Persons who consumed any food or drinks at Social Kitchen and Bar between July 16, 2016, and Aug. 6, 2016, may have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus. The health department advises anyone who consumed food or beverage at the restaurant between July 27 and Aug. 6 to promptly contact their healthcare provider to receive vaccination.

More: What is Hepatitis A? Doctor explains

Social Kitchen and Bar is located at 225 East Maple Road in Birmingham. A restaurant spokeswoman released the following statement on Wednesday: 

The safety of our patrons and employees is always our highest priority. An employee at Social Kitchen and Bar was diagnosed with Hepatitis A on August 6. Immediately upon learning of the diagnosis, we contacted the Health Department. Fortunately, no one else has reported any illness. On August 8, the Health Department inspected the restaurant and authorized us to remain open. The restaurant is 100 percent compliant with Health Department regulations and will continue to maintain the highest food safety standards."

The infected worker is a resident of Wayne County. 

Monitor for symptoms:

Patrons should monitor for symptoms of Hepatitis A infection which include:

  • sudden onset of abdominal discomfort
  • dark urine
  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • yellow skin and eyes 

The Oakland County Health Division is conducting outreach to restaurant employees to recommend prophylaxis treatment.

From the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: 

Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG) may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Therefore, those who consumed food or beverage at the restaurant between July 27, 2016, and Aug. 6, 2016, should promptly contact their healthcare provider to receive vaccination. Hepatitis A vaccine may be available at some major pharmacies in Michigan.  People who have had Hepatitis A disease or previously received two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine do not need to be immunized for Hepatitis A again.

Time from exposure to onset of illness (incubation period) is typically 15 to 50 days. Duration of illness typically lasts several weeks to several months. Treatment of Hepatitis A is supportive, and most people will recover without complications.

How to protect against Hepatitis A:

While vaccination provides the best protection, frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A. Appropriately cooking foods can also help prevent infection.

Anyone who develops symptoms of Hepatitis A infection should stay home and contact their healthcare provider. Please call your local health department if you have any questions or require assistance in locating Hepatitis A vaccine or IG.

  • The Oakland Health Division can be reached at 248-848-5533 from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The Wayne County Wellness Services Division can be reached at 734-727-7078 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

More about Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A Overview | HealthGrove

Hepatitis A Cases in 2014 | HealthGrove

Incidence of Hepatitis A in the United States | HealthGrove

Hepatitis A Incidence by State | HealthGrove

Hepatitis A Vaccination Rates by State | HealthGrove