The Ingham County Health Department has confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a foodservice worker at Steak ‘n Shake located at 540 E. Edgewood Boulevard in Lansing.
People who ate at the restaurant September 2-25 may have been exposed. The facility is working with the health department during the investigation.
“There is a risk of infection for people who ate at the restaurant while the foodservice worker was contagious,” said Linda S. Vail, Ingham County Health Officer. “Risk is likely low, but people who recently ate at the restaurant should look out for symptoms and possibly get vaccinated.”
People who ate at the restaurant during the foodservice worker’s contagious period should watch for symptoms such as: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Symptoms develop 15–50 days after exposure. People who develop these symptoms should seek medical care.
People who ate at the restaurant more recently, September 14-25, are advised to receive the hepatitis A vaccine. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days of exposure. The hepatitis A vaccine is available at the Ingham County Health Department and is also available through some healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable, contagious liver disease. It is often spread through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with infected feces or oral contact with contaminated objects. Transmission can occur easily among household contacts and sexual partners.
Michigan has been battling a statewide hepatitis A outbreak since in August 2016. Nearly 900 people have been infected to date. Of those infected, 80 percent have been hospitalized and 28 have died.
For more information about hepatitis A, visit hd.ingham.org or mi.gov/hepatitisAoutbreak
Source: Press Release
