Three HAV infections confirmed after exposure at NJ restaurant

Three cases of hepatitis A virus infection have been confirmed after exposure from a New Jersey food worker diagnosed with the disease.

Anyone who ate food from Rosa’s Restaurant and Catering in Hamilton Township from Nov. 10 to Dec. 1 was advised by town officials to consult their primary care physician for HAV vaccination options. Township officials announced two additional cases on New Year’s Day in a press release along with a diagnosis of a third case on Jan. 8. Each infected person reported eating at the restaurant during the warning period, but they have not been confirmed by the township as directly resulting from the observed exposure.

The first reported case is a female employee, aged 53 years, of a hair salon, and the second is a part-time fitness instructor, aged 60 years. According to the press release, their employers have been notified and advised to recommend vaccination to patrons and other employees. Both persons are recovering at home. The third case is reported to work in the township, but in a low-infection setting.

In a press conference on Jan. 2, Jeffrey J. Plunkett, a Hamilton Township health official, said the first patient had received vaccination after the initial advisory, but the second did not. He advised anyone who believes they might have been exposed to seek vaccination, practice personal hygiene and stay home from work if symptomatic.

According to the CDC, the incubation period of HAV is approximately 28 days. Vaccine administration within 2 weeks of exposure can prevent illness.