The Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness (HVCW) confirmed a case of Hepatitis A in a local restaurant worker, according to an announcement released by the department tonight.

The individual, employed at Champs Rotisserie and Spirits located at 20515 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods, is not currently working and is receiving medical care.

Champs is working cooperatively with Wayne County HVCW to schedule an employee vaccine clinic.

If you consumed food at Champs between October 10^th and 30^th, 2017 to watch for symptoms of Hepatitis A which can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, clay colored stool, fever, chills, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).

Symptoms occur between 15 and 50 days after exposure and can last for several weeks to months.

Hepatitis A is a vaccine preventable disease. If given within 14 days of exposure, Hepatitis A vaccine or immunoglobulin can prevent illness. It is recommended that patrons who consumed food, on or after October 20^th at Champs Rotisserie and Spirits, receive Hepatitis A vaccine by November 13^th, if they have not already been vaccinated.

Special populations such as pregnant women, persons with weakened immune systems, and individuals with liver disease should contact their health care provider regarding the need for both Hepatitis A immunoglobulin (Ig) and vaccine. Exposed children, under the age of one year, should receive Hepatitis A Ig.

Over 480 cases of Hepatitis A have been linked to the regional outbreak in Southeast Michigan since August 1^st, 2016. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food or water, or close personal contact with an infected person.

The best way to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A is:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper
• Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water during food preparation and before eating food
• Avoiding undercooked or raw shellfish
• Not preparing food for others if you are ill
• Getting your Hepatitis A vaccine

Wayne County HVCW urges all residents to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A. Vaccine is available at the Wayne County Public Health Clinic located at 33030 Van Born Road in Wayne as well as many clinics and pharmacies.

More information on Hepatitis A is available at www.mi.gov/hepatitisAoutbreak or www.cdc.gov/hepatitis, or call Wayne County Disease Control at 734-727-7078.

Lead image courtesy of google maps

See more of TheHUB’s coverage on Hepatitis A:

MDHHS activates Community Health Emergency Coordination Center in response to hepatitis A outbreak

Hepatitis A Investigation: Detroit’s Firewater Bar and Grill and Little Caesars Pizza

Hepatitis A cases increase, particularly among men

Health Alert: Restaurant-related cases of Hepatitis A are being investigated

Hepatitis A outbreak raises concerns, as well as vaccination efforts, in Southeast Michigan

Risk of contracting Hepatitis A through casual contact is rising, vaccines available