**Possible Exposure to Hepatitis A at a North Harris County Restaurant**

Questions and Answers

 

1.                  What happened?

A member of the wait staff employed by the Pappasito’s Cantina located at 15280 I-45 North, 77090 has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.  Residents who dined at this restaurant on the following dates may have been exposed to Hepatitis A on: January 23-27, January 30-31, February 1, 3, 7, 8, and 9, 2007.           

2.                  What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Like many other viral illnesses there is not a cure for Hepatitis A.  However, most people who are infected with Hepatitis A do not develop major long-term health problems. Infants and young children tend to have very mild illness or no symptoms at all, but they are still contagious.  Adults and children over 6 are more likely to have symptoms.   People who already have liver problems can become very ill if they get Hepatitis A.  About 15% of people who get Hepatitis A continue to experience symptoms for up to 6 months.   

3.                  Who needs to receive immune globulin now?

The immune globulin shot has antibodies to help your body fight infections.  However, you must get the shot no later than 2 weeks after exposure. People who dined at this restaurant on:

(The HCPHES Hepatitis A clinic will be closed after Thursday, February 22nd.  If you decide to get your Hepatitis A shot on Friday, February 23rd you will need to go to your private physician or a travel clinic.)

·         Where can I get an immune globulin shot (IG)?

Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) is sponsoring a Hepatitis A clinic to provide free immune globulin (IG) shots to people who dined at Pappasito’s Cantina, 15280 I-45 North  on February 7th, 8th, and 9th. 

·         Where will the free immune globulin (IG) clinic be located?

Mangum-Howell Center (formerly known as the Doss Community Center) located at 2500 Frick Road, Houston, TX 77038  (281-591-7830)

·         When will it be open?

Tuesday, February 20th - Thursday, February 22nd

8:30 AM – 8:30 PM

·         How much will the immune globulin (IG) shot cost?

HCPHES will provide free immune globulin (IG) shots at the Hepatitis A clinic.

You may also be able to get an immune globulin (IG) shot at a travel clinic or your private physician at your own expense.   You will need to ask the travel clinic or your physician how much you will have to pay for the immune globulin (IG) shot.

·         What should I bring with me?

Please be sure to bring all immunization records for adults and children needing an immune globulin (IG) shot. 

4.                  Who needs to watch for symptoms?

If you dined at the Pappasito’s Cantina located at 15280 I45 North between January 23-27, January 30-31, and February 1 and 3, 2007, you may also have been exposed to Hepatitis A.  However, the exposure was too long ago for the immune globulin (IG) to be effective.  (Immune globulin only prevents Hepatitis A if given within 2 weeks of exposure.)  

Over the next several weeks, please go to your doctor if you develop any of the symptoms:

*Fever                                                 *stomach pain or diarrhea

*Extreme tiredness                             *light colored stool or dark, rust colored urine

*nausea and/or vomiting                     *jaundice (yellowish eyes and skin) 

5.         What if I visited the restaurant on other dates?

If you dined at the restaurant before January 23rd or after February 9th, it is unlikely that you were exposed to Hepatitis A by this employee at this restaurant. 

6.         Were any other restaurants involved?

No. The employee only worked at Pappasito’s Cantina at 15280 I-45 North, 77090. 

7.         Where can I get more information?

www.hcphes.org or the HCPHES hotline (713-212-0200) on Monday, February 19th through Thursday, February 22nd  from 8:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.