Food Service Worker at Two Westbrook Restaurants Contracts Hepatitis A
In a concerning development, state health officials have confirmed that a food service worker at two popular Westbrook restaurants has contracted hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver disease. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging anyone who dined at Legends Rest Taproom and Paper City Barbecue in the last three weeks to contact their healthcare providers immediately. Hepatitis A can be transmitted through person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or water.
The infected employee had been working at both restaurants, located at 855 Main St., for a total of 15 days in January and February. The CDC statement revealed that the employee’s earliest day of infection was January 14th, and they continued to work until as recently as this past Sunday. The specific dates of exposure include January 17-21, January 24-28, January 31st, and February 2-4.
Upon learning about the situation, Legends Rest Taproom took swift action and closed its doors on Tuesday. In a Facebook post, the establishment informed its patrons about the positive test result and assured them that they are working closely with the Maine CDC to ensure the safety of both staff and customers. Legends Rest Taproom also stated that they are taking the day to deep clean the premises and expressed gratitude for the understanding of their loyal customers.
The CDC is urging individuals who visited these restaurants during the specified dates to be vigilant for symptoms, which typically appear between 15 to 50 days after infection. These symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain or nausea, diarrhea or dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, and joint pain. It is crucial for anyone who may have been exposed to discard any leftover food purchased from either restaurant.
Furthermore, the CDC advises anyone who worked, ate, or drank at Legends Rest Taproom or Paper City Barbecue to get a hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last visit. One dose of the vaccine provides immunity to at least 94 out of 100 people for several years. It is a proactive measure to prevent the spread of the disease and protect individuals from potential infection.
The CDC also provided some context, stating that cases of hepatitis A in Maine have remained elevated since the state experienced an initial increase in 2019. This highlights the importance of taking necessary precautions and being aware of potential risks when dining out.
For more information on hepatitis A and its prevention, individuals can visit the official website of the CDC at cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav. It is crucial to stay informed and prioritize personal health and safety in light of this recent incident.
