A total of eleven cases have been reported as a result of a sudden Hepatitis A outbreak that occurred in the peaceful region of Southeast Pennsylvania. Two deaths have been stated but are under investigation and six of them are under hospitalization. The State health department has delivered a public advisory stating the confirmation of the outbreak associated with the Italian restaurant.
Hepatitis Outbreak At An Italian Restaurant In Southeast Pennsylvania
Gino’s Ristorante and Pizzeria in Philadelphia, known for its Italian cuisine has been closed as per the instructions issued by Montgomery County. The restaurant is being considered as an epicenter for the Hepatitis A outbreak. All the cases specifically the deaths are under investigation as stated by the County Officer of Montgomery. Apart from its food and atmosphere, the restaurant has been notorious for violating several health codes prior to this incident. All the allegations of the restaurant being the epicenter for the outbreak have been denied by the Pizzeria’s attorney.
As per the investigation reports, the primary exposure to the virus was noted in November, A Starbucks, Camden County, New Jersey, 2021. Pennsylvania outbreak of Hepatitis is the second warning in recent months. The fear of transmission of this virus is not to be dismissed. This virus which affects the liver is highly transmissible. Any object could be a source of infection including food, drinks, stool, and materials. Trace amounts of the virus are enough to cause infection. Any individual in the region with liver-associated diseases was instructed to be checked for Hepatitis A infection. The diagnosis of the infection could be confirmed through serum testing to examine the presence of immunoglobulin – IgM antibodies for the virus. The tested samples will be safely stored for reference for up to 10 days. This is to aid the officials in further investigations of the virus and its transmission in the community.
The investigation team consists of both the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH). Throughout the process, the authorities of the restaurant have denied any association with violation of health codes and routes of assisting in virus transmission through their attorneys. The restaurant was reported for unhealthy practices in the year 2020 several times for “mouse-like droppings”, “insects” and “serving food with hands” as noted during the inspections that took place.
Any individual who is immunocompromised is at high risk of infection. The patients must come forward and consult doctors to ensure that a count of the outbreak is kept along with their treatment regime. Although the officials have ensured that transmission would be minimal and easily controlled at the point of the outbreak, it does no harm to keep an eye out for one’s health. All hospitals, medical centers, nursing staff, and infection control units have been notified and the health advisory has been issued to ensure that the outbreak is kept under control. It is a vaccine-preventable liver infection with varying severity levels. The current infection cluster has been contained by the officials as well as medical professionals.
Citizens must take note of the type of infections and the range they could affect them. Mild infections can last for a few weeks while severe infections would extend up to several months. Apart from food, drink, and excretions, the virus is capable of transmitting through skin contact such as personal care, sexual intercourse, and from crowded places. Symptoms of the infection include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark-colored urine, pain in the joints and stomach as well as jaundice. The hospitalized patients are under observation and the reach of the outbreak is being investigated. The officials will provide updates on the investigation regularly.
