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Maine CDC Announces Possible Hepatitis A Exposure at Falmouth Restaurant [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] Nov 14, 2023

"Potentially exposed patrons and staff are encouraged to contact a health care provider"

*AUGUSTA — *The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has identified a case of hepatitis A in a Falmouth food service worker. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can spread through person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or water.

The individual worked during their infectious period at* The Dockside Grill, **215 Foreside Rd,* *Falmouth,* on the following dates:


* October 23-25
* November 6-8

Anyone who dined in or ordered takeout from this restaurant during these days could be at risk for hepatitis A infection. The restaurant is working closely with the Maine CDC and there is no concern about ongoing exposure outside of these dates.

You can prevent getting hepatitis A with a vaccine and those exposed to hepatitis A can avoid getting sick if they get the vaccine within 14 days of the exposure The hepatitis A vaccine is a two-dose series. After one dose, at least 94 out of 100 people become immune to the hepatitis A virus for several years. Getting the second dose ensures long-term protection.

*Individuals who were potentially exposed should:*


* Discard any leftover food bought at this restaurant during the dates listed above. 
* If eligible, get vaccinated.
* If you ate or drank from this restaurant during these dates, get a hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of the last time eating or drinking there.
* If more than 14 days have passed, people who have not previously been vaccinated may still get the vaccine at any time to protect against future exposures.
* Individuals who worked in the restaurant during these dates should get a hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last date worked.
* Ask your health care provider if you need hepatitis A immune globulin (IG) in addition to hepatitis A vaccine; certain people may need both.
* If you are already vaccinated for hepatitis A, you are already protected. You do not need to get any additional hepatitis A vaccine doses now.

* *If you ate or drank at this restaurant during any of these dates, watch for symptoms of hepatitis A for up to 50 days from the last day you ate, drank, or worked at the restaurant.* If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, seek medical attention.
* feeling tired
* low or no appetite
* stomach pain
* nausea
* diarrhea
* dark-colored urine
* jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
* fever
* joint pain

Symptoms begin to show 15–50 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. People who get very ill may need to go to a hospital and their symptoms can last several months. Most children younger than 6 years old have mild or no symptoms.

Cases of hepatitis A in Maine have remained elevated since an initial increase in 2019. People at increased risk of becoming infected should protect themselves with a hepatitis A vaccine.

For more information on hepatitis A, visit www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/ [ [link removed] ].

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