Some restaurant patrons in New York City received vaccines over the weekend after possibly being exposed to the hepatitis A virus. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said that one employee working at a restaurant in Manhattan was infected. The employee worked at Alta, a tapas restaurant in the West Village section of Manhattan.
Alta patrons who dined at the restaurant from March 23 to April 2 were possibly exposed to the hepatitis A virus. The restaurant reported that approximately 3,000 people ate at the restaurant during that period and about 15 percent of them ordered the tapas dessert.
Over the weekend, 239 people received vaccinations for the hepatitis A virus and 31 of them were employees of Alta. Health officials recommend that anyone who dined at the restaurant during the time period mentioned get a hepatitis A shot. Although no cases of the virus were confirmed, as a precaution, it's advised to get the vaccination.
"We are working closely with the Health Department to ensure the safety of our customers. This is an isolated incident and the infected employee is no longer on premises," Christopher Chesnutt, Alta's owner, said in a statement.
Traces of fecal matter from an infected person can spread the hepatitis A virus by mouth. Food may become infected if people do not wash their hands before handling food. Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea, as it infects the liver.
The Department of Health issued a warning to the public Friday about the hepatitis A infected employee. Free vaccinations were offered to patrons of the restaurant over the weekend and will continue with the vaccinations on Monday.
"We are asking these restaurant patrons to get this vaccination as a precautionary measure. If people experience symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately. This incident serves as an important reminder to always wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease," Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said.
