Los Angeles County health officials said Thursday they are investigating a reported case of hepatitis A in an employee at a restaurant in Little Tokyo.
For this reason, the health department recommends that all guests who consumed food or beverages at Azay Little Tokyo, 226 E. First St., between July 26 and July 30, receive a hepatitis A vaccination unless they are otherwise immune.
“Individuals who have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A or who have had a previous hepatitis A infection may not be protected from the virus,” the county DPH said. “Vaccination is not required for individuals who have already received a series of hepatitis A vaccinations or who are known to have had a previous infection.”
Health officials said no other cases have been identified in connection with the restaurant worker.
They stressed that getting vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure can reduce the risk of infection. Health authorities are working to ensure that other restaurant workers who are not immune are also vaccinated.
“Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus,” the Ministry of Health said. “The disease can range from mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, hepatitis A can cause death in some people. Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus through objects, food or drinks contaminated by small, undetectable amounts of stool from an infected person.”
Individuals with questions or need assistance finding a clinic or doctor near them to get vaccinated can call the DPH InfoLine at 833-540-0473, available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More information about the virus can be found online at publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/diseases/hepa.htm.