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HAV outbreak in Hawaii linked to scallops

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The Hawaii Department of Health identified the source of the hepatitis A virus infection outbreak affecting more than 206 individuals on Oahu and Kauai as raw scallops served at Genki Sushi restaurants, according to a press release.

Hawaii’s health department originally reported on July 1 that 12 adults had become ill due to the infection, with six requiring hospitalization. As of Aug. 17, the number of infected individuals grew to 206, of which 51 were hospitalized, the release said.

The onsets of HAV in Oahu occurred from June 16 through June 27, according to the state health department. On Aug. 15, the department announced Sea Port Bay Scallops were the likely culprit. According to the release, the scallops are a product of the Philippines and distributed by Koha Oriental Foods and True World Foods. The health department has since ordered the scallops embargoed — not to be sold, purchased, or consumed — throughout Hawaii and required the temporary closure of all Genki Sushi restaurants on Oahu and Kauai.

The department noted that the scallops received by True World Foods have not been distributed to any restaurants in Hawaii, and were embargoed at their warehouse. Other scallops served at Genki locations on Hawaii and Maui originated from a different supplier and have not been associated with the outbreak.

The following restaurants on Oahu have had an employee linked to the HAV outbreak: Baskin-Robbins at Waikele Center; Chili’s in Kapolei (590 Farrington Highway); Costco Bakery at Hawaii Kai; Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Honolulu (801 Kaheka St.); Taco Bell in Waipio (94-790 Ukee St.); Tamashiro Market in Kalihi (802 N. King St.); Papa John’s in Waipahu; and New Lin Fong bakery in Chinatown (1132 Maunakea St.). In addition, employees of Hawaiian Airlines and Sushi Shiono at Waikoloa Beach Resort and Queen’s MarketPlace (69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive) on Hawaii have been affected.

The health department advised that the likelihood of patrons of these businesses becoming infected with HAV is very low, but recommends persons who have consumed food or drink products from these businesses during the identified dates of service should contact their health care provider for advice and possible care.

For more information:

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/.