For those of you who have sipped on a refreshing beverage at the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant in Boulder, there's an important health alert to heed. Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) has confirmed a potential exposure to Hepatitis A linked to drinks made with fresh juice served on December 30, 2024, and January 5, 2025. As obtained by Boulder County Public Health, officials have acted swiftly to eliminate further risk to the public, ensuring that no other locations were implicated.
For anyone who enjoyed a plain fresh squeezed OJ, Mimosa, Michelada, or any other listed beverage on January 5, and hasn't kept up with their Hepatitis A vaccinations, it's critical to get vaccinated before January 19. Unfortunately, those who had comparable drinks on December 30 no longer have the vaccination option, as the effective window has closed; they should instead monitor for symptoms over the next month. Highlighting the urgency, BCPH is providing free vaccinations at specified times for those in need, including a clinic today at the Sundquist building from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus primarily spread through fecal contamination that can infect the liver. It presents symptoms such as jaundice, fever, joint pain, and nausea, typically surfacing two to six weeks post-exposure. While there's no cure, timely vaccination can fend off the disease for those at risk. BCPH reminds everyone, including pregnant women and most adults, of the vaccine's value, except children under one year of age, who are not eligible for the vaccine.
The health department is also poised to offer immune globulin shots to anyone unable to receive the standard vaccine within two weeks of exposure. For University of Colorado students needing medical assistance, services are available at the Wardenburg Health Center. If individuals have private insurance, they're encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for vaccinations related to the exposure. Keep an eye out for symptoms and act promptly if you believe you've been exposed to safeguard your health and that of those around you.
