Hepatitis scare brings quick action – restaurant re-opened

Sep. 17, 2018  PLYMOUTH EAGLE.

Plymouth Michigan News

Exposure to Hepatitis A has been confirmed in a Plymouth restaurant by investigators from the Wayne County Health Department.

According to Wayne County Health Department officials, the exposure occurred at Omelette and Waffle Café located on 580 Forest Ave. The city assisted with a vaccination clinic last week at Plymouth City Hall at the request of health department officials.

The case of Hepatitis A was confirmed in a food service worker at Omelette and Waffle Café, health officials said. The facility was inspected on Sept. 11 and reopened after a one-day closing to complete a deep-cleaning of the entire premises. Owners said they were working with the health department during the investigation.

The worker with the disease is no longer at the restaurant, according to owner Ryan Allen, who said he voluntarily closed the restaurant to facilitate a deep cleaning.

Hepatitis A is a vaccine preventable disease. If given within 14 days of exposure, Hepatitis A vaccine or immunoglobulin can prevent illness. Patrons who consumed food or beverages from the Omelette and Waffle Café in Plymouth between Aug. 17, and Sept. 4, should get vaccinated, health officials said. Some individuals, including people who have a weakened immune system or liver disease, should talk with their doctor about getting immunoglobulin, health officials advised.

Wayne County health officials are also advising people who consumed food from the establishment during the above time period to watch for symptoms of Hepatitis A which can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, clay-colored stool, fever, chills, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Hepatitis A symptoms occur between 15 and 50 days after exposure. All questions related to this incident should be forwarded to the Wayne County Health Department at (734) 727-7049.

With the ongoing outbreak of Hepatitis A, all residents have been advised by the Wayne County Health Department to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A. Individuals who use injection and non-injection drugs, those in homeless and transient living conditions, men who have sex with men, and those with a history of Hepatitis C or other liver disease are at particular risk for the disease and should get vaccinated against Hepatitis A. Individuals should consult with their physician to determine if they are at high risk.

For those who do not have insurance coverage, Hepatitis A vaccine is available at the Wayne County HVCW Clinic located at 33030 Van Born Road in Wayne. Vaccine may also be available at many clinics and pharmacies. More information about Hepatitis A is available at
www.michigan.gov/hepatitisaoutbreak  or all Wayne County at (734) 727-7078.

Plymouth Voice.