Los Angeles County health officials are sounding the alarm regarding a potential hepatitis A exposure at Buffalo Wild Wings in Monterey Park. According to NBC Los Angeles, an employee of the restaurant located at 4000 Market Place has tested positive for the virus, prompting an investigation into whether patrons may have been exposed between November 13 and November 22.
According to ABC7, the worker's position and symptoms have led to the recommendation that people who consumed food or drinks at the venue within the specified dates seek a hepatitis A vaccine. The department has yet to receive reports of additional cases stemming from this incident.
With hepatitis A known for being highly contagious, symptoms can include fever, weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice, vomiting, and stomach pain, as detailed by FOXLA. Health officials have stressed that individuals who have not previously been vaccinated or had the infection are at risk. As a precaution, monitoring for symptoms if one was a recent customer of the affected Buffalo Wild Wings is advised.
The virus is transmitted when small, undetectable amounts of stool from an infected person contaminate objects, food, or drinks. While there are no specific antiviral treatments for hepatitis A, officials highlight the importance of vaccination in preventing the disease. "Vaccination is the best way to prevent disease," said the health department in a press release obtained by ABC7. For queries regarding prevention measures post-exposure or vaccination details, LA County residents can contact the Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473.
