Hepatitis outbreak at Maine restaurant puts hundreds of diners at risk

A restaurant in Maine has warned customers that they may have been exposed to the highly contagious liver disease Hepatitis A spread by an infected employee.

An employee at Marco’s Italian Restaurant in Lewiston, Maine, came to work for several days last month while infected with the disease, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week.

Officials said guests who ate food or ordered drinks at Marco’s may be at risk for Hepatitis A.

However, so far no cases have been reported from customers or other employees.

The infected employee worked during the contagious period of the disease on the following dates in September: 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27 and 28. The employee reportedly works 10 hours per week.

Duane Arnold, co-owner of the restaurant, said, “Despite this isolated case, the State CDC has determined there is no immediate risk to our customers or staff, and we are open.”

“We are committed to transparency and will continue to work with the State CDC to ensure the continued safety of our customers and employees,” Mr. Arnold said.

‘We are fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, safety and great food.’

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral liver disease and is one of the most common causes of foodborne infections.

The virus is often found in the feces and blood of an infected person and if he has traces of human waste on his hands while handling food, this can contaminate the virus.

Not everyone with hepatitis A develops symptoms, but those who do typically experience them several weeks after contracting the virus.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include unusual fatigue or weakness, sudden nausea and vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain, clay- and gray-colored stools, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, jaundice and intense pain. itch.

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has never been infected with the hepatitis A virus is at risk.

Other risk factors include poor sanitation, lack of clean water, recreational drug use, living with or having sexual relations with an infected person, and traveling to high-risk areas while unvaccinated.

Mild cases require no treatment and most infected people recover without permanent liver damage. However, hepatitis A can sometimes lead to serious illness.

The Maine CDC recommended that individuals exposed to Hepatitis A throw away any food purchased at the restaurant on the above dates, get vaccinated against the virus and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.