FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2024
Media Contact: Justin Gould
Media Information Officer
(716) 753-4664 (desk)
(716) 720-0251 (cell)
Hepatitis A in a Food Handler working in a Yates County Restaurant
MAYVILLE, N.Y. The New York State Department of Health has requested the Chautauqua County Health Department and other neighboring counties make residents aware of a confirmed case of hepatitis A in a person who works at the Main Deck restaurant located in Yates County at 301 Lake Street in Penn Yan, NY. With the increased travel over spring break, the Department wants residents to be informed and take action to protect their health by receiving a free hepatitis A vaccine if they were exposed.
Customers who consumed food and/or drinks prepared by the Main Deck restaurant between April 4-12, 2024 are urged to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Consult your doctor, primary care provider, pharmacy, or the Chautauqua County Health Department to discuss your potential exposure and receive a vaccine.
While the risk of being affected is low, customers who consumed food and/or drinks prepared by the restaurant between March 27- April 12, 2024 should watch for any symptoms of hepatitis A. It can take 2 to 7 weeks after exposure before symptoms start to appear. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease. It spreads through person-to-person contact or by eating contaminated food or drinks. Symptoms include fatigue (tiredness), loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, dark urine, joint pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.
- Consult your doctor or primary care provider.
- Some pharmacies may have the vaccine. Availability may be limited.
- The Chautauqua County Health Department has vaccine available.
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment to receive a free hepatitis A vaccine, please call the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4491.
More information about hepatitis A:
About Chautauqua County Health Department - The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health. The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness. For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.
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