Mineola, NY - The Nassau County Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Hepatitis A virus in a food handler who worked at 7-11, located at 1555 Jerusalem Avenue in Merrick, NY. Patrons who utilized the toileting facility, consumed foods and drinks prepared on-site between February 1, 2019 and March 6, 2019 may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.
Individuals potentially exposed to hepatitis A between February 24th and March 6th should receive hepatitis A vaccination and/or immune globulin (IG). Those individuals who were potentially exposed between February 1st and February 23rd fall outside this window. These individuals should observe for symptoms of Hepatitis A and consult with their health care provider about the potential exposure and the need to vaccinate for future protection. Those who have been vaccinated with two doses of hepatitis A vaccine or who have had the illness in the past are protected from hepatitis A infections, and there is no need for further action.
County Executive Laura Curran and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein today announced the availability of FREE Hepatitis A Vaccine and/or immune globulin for those exposed between February 24th and March 6th. The vaccines will be available:
Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Nassau Community College CCB Building
One Education Drive, Garden City, NY 11530
(Directional signs will be posted)
Monday, March 11, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Nassau County Department of Health
200 County Seat Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
A call center has been established for those that require additional information. Those in need may call 516-227-9570.
Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A virus may be spread by consuming food or drink that has been handled by an infected person. It may also be spread from person to person by placing something into the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with
Hepatitis A.
The symptoms of Hepatitis A may range from mild to severe and include an abrupt onset of fever, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark-colored urine and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). The disease is rarely fatal, and most people recover in a few weeks without any complications. The symptoms commonly appear within 28 days of exposure, with a range of 15-50 days. There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat a person once symptoms appear. Generally, bed rest is all that is needed. Thorough hand washing after bathroom use, and before, during and after food preparation is the most important means to prevent the spread of this and other intestinal illnesses. Sharing of food and utensils should be discouraged especially whenever anyone is ill.
Additional information on Hepatitis A is available on the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1859/index.htm