Hepatitis A identified in GF

A confirmed case of Hepatitis A in a Grand Forks good worker has prompted North Dakota Health and Human Services to issue an advisory.

HHS has determined that people who ate at the University of North Dakota (UND) Memorial Union Chick-fil-A on the following dates and times, may have been exposed to Hepatitis A, which is a contagious liver infection.

January 15, 2024: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

January 16, 2024: 11 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

January 17, 2024: 5 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.

January 22, 2024: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

January 23, 2024: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

January 24, 2024: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

January 26, 2024: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

February 4, 2024: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

February 6, 2024: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

February 7, 2024: 5 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Cases can happen in the U.S. in connection to eating contaminated food or drink, person-to-person contact or from other high-risk exposures. It can take about 15 to 50 days (average is one month) after being exposed to Hepatitis A to develop symptoms.

Individuals unsure if they ate food from the UND Memorial Union Chick-fil-A on the specified dates can check credit card purchases or reference their Grubhub app.

The best way to prevent infection in exposed individuals is to receive a Hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. People who have previously received two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine or have had Hepatitis A in the past do not need to be vaccinated. HHS recommends that unvaccinated people who may have been exposed contact their health care provider to receive Hepatitis A vaccine.

The vaccine should be received within two weeks of exposure to have the best benefit at preventing infection. Individuals who are already past their two weeks timeframe may still receive the Hepatitis A vaccine, although may not receive the full benefits of vaccination.

Public Health Vaccine Clinic

Grand Forks Public Health will be hosting a free Hepatitis A vaccine clinic for exposed persons on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., UND Memorial Union, Small Ballroom, 2901 University Ave., Grand Forks, ND. Parking is available on Levels 4-5 of the ramp.

Exposed individuals are encouraged to consult their health care provider if they develop symptoms.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

fever
tiredness
loss of appetite
nausea
abdominal discomfort
dark urine
pale stools
or jaundice (yellowing of skin or the whites of the eyes)

Hepatitis A symptoms generally last about two months. Although some people can be ill for as long as six months. Hospitalization might be required for more severe infections. If Hepatitis A symptoms develop, individuals should exclude themselves from activities for one week after onset of symptoms. Only people who develop symptoms, are recommended to be tested for Hepatitis A.

The Hepatitis A vaccine was routinely recommended in the U.S. for children starting in 2006, therefore students may have received Hepatitis A vaccine as a part of their routine childhood immunizations. Vaccine is currently available and routinely recommended for all children ages 12 to 23 months.