Possible Hepatitis A Exposure at Westbrook Restaurants: Maine CDC Issues Warning
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding possible hepatitis A exposure for individuals who dined at two restaurants in the southern part of the state during specific dates in January and February. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can be transmitted through person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or water.
The CDC has identified a case of hepatitis A in a food service worker who worked at Legends Rest Taproom and Paper City BBQ, both located at 855 Main St. in Westbrook. The worker was present at the restaurants on various dates, including January 14, January 17-21, January 24-28, January 31, and February 2-4.
Anyone who visited or ordered takeout from either of these establishments during the mentioned dates may be at risk of hepatitis A infection. However, the CDC assures the public that there is no ongoing exposure outside of these specific dates. The owners of the restaurants are cooperating closely with the CDC to address the situation.
In response to the incident, Legends Rest Taproom took to Facebook to inform its customers about the situation. The restaurant announced that it would be closed on Tuesday for a thorough deep cleaning. They stated, “We learned this morning that a staff member tested positive for hepatitis A and, out of an abundance of caution, we are taking the day to deep clean.”
It is crucial to note that hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination. Individuals who have been exposed to the disease can avoid falling ill by receiving the vaccine within 24 days of exposure. The CDC strongly advises anyone who may have been exposed to hepatitis A to discard any leftover food purchased from the two restaurants during the specified dates. Additionally, individuals who consumed food or beverages from these establishments are encouraged to get a hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of exposure. The CDC also recommends that employees who worked at the restaurants during the mentioned dates should receive the vaccine.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, dark-colored urine, jaundice, fever, and joint pain. These symptoms typically manifest between 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. Severe cases may require hospitalization, and symptoms can persist for several months.
The CDC highlights that cases of hepatitis A in Maine have remained elevated since an initial increase in 2019. For more information on the disease and preventive measures, individuals can visit the CDC’s official website at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/.
In conclusion, the Maine CDC has issued a warning regarding possible hepatitis A exposure at two restaurants in Westbrook. The affected food service worker was present at Legends Rest Taproom and Paper City BBQ on specific dates in January and February. The CDC advises individuals who dined at these establishments during the mentioned dates to take precautionary measures such as discarding leftover food and getting vaccinated within the recommended time frame. By raising awareness and taking necessary precautions, the community can mitigate the risk of hepatitis A infection and ensure public health and safety.
