Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Hep A,Hepatitis A,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on January 5, 2022
Recently 8 people have become ill after visiting an Italian restaurant in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. The number of people infected with Hepatitis A has been increasing in recent years due to multiple outbreaks of the virus. Most of these outbreaks are due to person-to-person contact, however many people have also become infected after consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms of the virus may be relatively mild and go away in a few weeks. However, the infection can cause severe illness lasting several months.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, some medications, toxins, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. The virus is primarily spread when an unvaccinated person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with unsafe water or food, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and oral or anal sex.
Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease but it can cause debilitating symptoms and rarely fulminant hepatitis (acute liver failure), which is often fatal. The World Health Organization estimates that in 2016, 7134 persons died from hepatitis A worldwide.
A public advisory issued by The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday January 5th stated that there have been eight, laboratory-confirmed, hepatitis A virus infections associated with an Italian restaurant in Montgomery County. Six of those affected experienced severe illness requiring hospitalization and one death related to the outbreak is currently under investigation.
Additionally, officials from The Arkansas Department of Health are warning of a possible Hepatitis A exposure after an employee of Wendy’s, located at 721 North Arkansas, Russellville, tested positive for the virus. Anyone who ate at this facility between December 12, 2021, and January 3, 2022, should seek care immediately if they have never been vaccinated against Hep A or are unsure of their vaccine status. There are no specific treatments once a person gets Hep A; however, it can be prevented through vaccination or a medicine called immune globulin.
According to provisional data, there were 390 cases of Hep A in Arkansas in 2020 and 467 cases in 2021.
Hepatitis A signs and symptoms typically don’t appear until you’ve had the virus for a few weeks, but not everyone with hepatitis A develops them. If you do, hepatitis signs and symptoms can include:
These symptoms may be relatively mild and go away in a few weeks. Sometimes, however, hepatitis A infection results in a severe illness that lasts several months.
Unlike other types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A does not cause long-term liver damage, and it doesn’t become chronic. However, in rare cases, hepatitis A can cause a sudden loss of liver function, especially in older adults or people with chronic liver diseases. About one 250 people who become infected with Hepatitis A will develop liver failure. Acute liver failure requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring and treatment. Some people with acute liver failure may need a liver transplant.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent Hepatitis A. The vaccine usually consists of 2 shots, given 6 months apart, and is safe and effective.
The CDCs recommends the vaccine for:
Children
previously received hepatitis A vaccine (known as “catch up”
vaccination)
People at increased risk for hepatitis A
adoptee
People at increased risk for severe disease from hepatitis A infection
hepatitis C
Other people recommended for vaccination
from hepatitis A infection
Handwashing plays an important role in prevention. Practicing good hand hygiene—including thoroughly washing hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food—plays an important role in preventing the spread of many illnesses, including hepatitis A.
You can prevent infection even after you have been exposed. If you have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus in the last 2 weeks, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. A single shot of the vaccine can help prevent hepatitis A if given within 2 weeks of exposure. Depending upon your age and health, your doctor may recommend immune globulin in addition to the vaccine.
If you have suffered due to complications arising from Hepatitis A, speak with our Hepatitis A attorney during a free consultation. Our mission is to help families who have been harmed by contaminated food or water. When corporations cause Hepatitis A food poisoning outbreaks, we use the law to hold them accountable. The Lange Law Firm is the only law firm in the nation solely focused on representing families in food poisoning lawsuits and contaminated water lawsuits.
Our Lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your Hepatitis A infection. Call us for a free no obligation legal consultation at (833) 330-3663 or send us an e-mail here.