Possible exposure to Hepatitis A in Chubbuck
Papa Murphy’s has issued a statement in the situation at its Chubbuck shop, in which customers may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.
Southeastern Idaho Public Health an employee there was confirmed on Thursday as having the disease. The exposure may have been from April 19 to 21.
“There have been no reported cases of hepatitis from other employees or guests that have purchased products from the Chubbuck location,” the company said. “All Papa Murphy ‘s stores follow good hand washing hygiene procedures and wear gloves when preparing products and serving guests.”
The Chubbuck store was to be closed Friday for a full-store cleaning. It will reopen on Saturday, according to Papa Murphy’s.
The health district said Friday there is no evidence of a Hepatitis A outbreak associated with the restaurant.
Although the risk to public health is low, the possibility exists that Papa Murphy’s customers could have been exposed to Hepatitis A. Papa Murphy’s has cooperated fully with the investigation into the situation, SIPH said. The employee is believed to have practiced good hand hygiene but could have inadvertently contaminated food and drinks at the establishment. The risk of exposure is considered small, but not zero.
SIPH is recommending that people who are not immune to hepatitis A (due to previous vaccination or previous illness) and who have eaten uncooked food, such as uncooked cookie dough, uncooked pizza toppings, or salad, from Papa Murphy’s in Chubbuck in that time frame receive Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin immediately.
In addition, anyone who has consumed uncooked food from Papa Murphy’s in Chubbuck from April 6 to18 should contact their medical provider if they are exhibiting any symptoms of hepatitis.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus. Hepatitis A can affect anyone. Hepatitis A virus is usually spread by eating or drinking food items that have been contaminated with Hepatitis A from someone who hasn’t properly washed their hands after using the bathroom.
Symptoms usually occur abruptly and may include:
— Fever
— Loss of appetite
— Abdominal discomfort
— Jaundice (yellowing of the skin & eyes)
— Tiredness
— Nausea
— Dark urine
Call SIPH’s hotline at (208) 234-5888 to be screened and to make an appointment, if appropriate. Vaccine clinics will be held on Friday and Saturday. For more information, see www.siphidaho.org.
