Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Hepatitis A,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on February 15, 2025
The New York City Health Department issued a warning for a hepatitis A exposure at ilili Restaurant last week. Ilili Restaurant, known for its “authentic Lebanese Mediterranean” fare, may have served up more than what’s on the menu.
Here’s what we know about the hepatitis A exposure at Ilili Restaurant situation and what to do if you were exposed.
The New York City Health Department issued an announcement on February 14, 2024 following notification from a Manhattan restaurant of a potential hepatitis A exposure.
Hepatitis A Exposure
ilili Restaurant
236 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
1/31/25 – 2/9/25
Anyone who ate from ilili Restaurant between January 31, 2025 and February 9, 2025 “should get hepatitis A vaccine as a precautionary measure,” says the warning.
“We are urging these restaurant patrons to consult with their providers and get the hepatitis A vaccine as a precautionary measure,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “If people experience symptoms like yellowing of eyes and skin, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, they should see a doctor immediately, especially if you have not had two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine. This incident serves as an important reminder to stay up to date with current vaccination recommendations, and to always wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease.”
This warning was issued following notification of a food handler at ilili Restaurant who tested positive for hepatitis A.
So far, there have been no additional cases identified. However, Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus easily transmissible through food exposure. So those who dined at, or ordered take out from ilili Restaurant during the potential exposure period should consider vaccination and/or monitor themselves for symptoms.
It can take several weeks to begin feeling symptoms.
Hepatitis A virus is shed in the feces (poop) of someone infected with the virus. Like most foodborne illnesses, this virus is spread through what is known as fecal-oral route.
An infected food handler may contaminate food and surfaces all around the kitchen if they come to work while still shedding the virus.
Contamination can take place at any point during preparation, serving, or point of sale at a food establishment.
In fact, according to a United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paper, “The source of most reported foodborne hepatitis A outbreaks has been HAV [hepatitis A virus]-infected food handlers present at the point of sale (such as in a restaurant) or who prepare food for social events (such as a wedding).”
Sadly, hundreds of restaurant workers have hepatitis A every year. Most, fortunately, do not transmit the virus to consumers or restaurant patrons.
Proper handwashing practices and safe food handling reduce the risk of exposure. Despite these prevention measures, an infected food worker should never be working while actively shedding the virus.
It doesn’t take much “residue” to spread hepatitis A virus. Even microscopic traces too small for the eyes to see and undetectable by taste or smell is enough.
It only takes a microscopic amount of contaminated “matter” to transmit hepatitis A infection
You would have no idea if the food you consumed was contaminated.
Not everyone infected with the hepatitis A virus will be symptomatic. In fact, most children do not experience symptoms at all. Even if someone with hepatitis A does not show symptoms, they may still be infectious while shedding the virus.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms often begin around two to seven weeks after exposure. Most of the time, people feel better in less than two months. However some may remain sick for as long as six months.
If you consumed food and are at risk of hepatitis A exposure at ilili Restaurant in Manhattan, there are a few things you can do to minimize risk and/or help yourself and your community.
If you purchased food at ilili Restaurant between January 31 and February 9, 2025, and have leftovers, discard it immediately.
Hepatitis A is a unique virus, in that vaccination within 14 days of exposure offers a prophylaxis effect and can help prevent you from becoming infected post exposure. Hepatitis A is the only commonly vaccinated foodborne illness.
This vaccine is performed in a two-dose series. However, an individual receives about 94% effectiveness after just one dose. The second dose, administered six months later, increases this effectiveness to nearly 100% and lasts for 20 years.
If you have been impacted by this hepatitis A exposure at ilili Restaurant during the potential exposure period, and it has been less than 14 days since eating or drinking food from the restaurant, getting a hepatitis A vaccination can help reduce your risk of infection.
If it has been more than 14 days since consuming food or drink from the restaurant and you have not been previously vaccinated, you may still get the vaccine at any time to protect yourself against future exposures.
Some individuals may benefit from receiving hepatitis A immune globulin (IG) in addition to a hepatitis A vaccine. This is something your healthcare provider should advise you on.
The New York City Health Department advises those potentially exposed to reach out to their health care provider and ask if they offer hepatitis A vaccination.
Those who do not have a health care provider can contact NYC Health + Hospitals or 844-NYC-4NYC for low to no cost care is available regardless of insurance status.
Patrons consuming food or drink during the hepatitis A exposure at ilili restaurant potential exposure period should monitor themselves for hepatitis A symptoms for up to 50 days following exposure.
If you were potentially exposed to hepatitis A as a result of this possible hepatitis A exposure at ilili Restaurant in Manhattan, it is a good idea to seek advice from an experienced hepatitis A exposure attorney.
The experienced hepatitis A lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help you navigate the complicated legal process. They have helped many families with cases just like yours.
Call (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation or click the online submission form to go over the details of your situation to determine if you have a legal case. Don’t wait. Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)