Hepatitis A Outbreak in Hawaii

Posted: Aug 17th, 2016 at 12:00AM - by e7 Health

A Hepatitis A outbreak has been confirmed in Hawaii and the source has been likely identified as a chain of sushi restaurants on the islands of Oahu and Kauai. So far, 168 people have been reported to have been infected during the outbreak which began in June of 2016. Of those infected, 46 individuals have had severe enough symptoms to be hospitalized.

Hepatitis A is a contagious infection of the liver that can be passed along through contaminated food and water and close personal contact. Infection can be spread through fecal-oral transmission, meaning transmission can occur when feces contaminate any part of the food process. This can be during the growing process, harvesting, or preparation of foods. The best protection against spread is vaccination and good hygiene practices.

The restaurant, Genki Sushi, has been closed down by the Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH), stating that the outbreak is likely due to “imported frozen scallops served raw.

People who may have been exposed to Hepatitis A should visit their health care provider for testing and treatment. Initial symptoms can mimic food poisoning and include fever, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite, and stomach pain and can take up to 50 days from the time of exposure to occur. Hepatitis A vaccine and immune globulin (IG) that is administered within two weeks of exposure can provide some protection against the disease. HDOH is also advising all residents in the state of Hawaii to receive the vaccine to help prevent infection and the spread of the disease.

It is always a good idea to check with a travel medicine clinic before any travels so that you can stay up-to-date on your required and recommended vaccines. A travel clinic can make sure that you have all the most recent information on local outbreaks and how to stay healthy during your travels.