WESTBROOK, Maine — Editor's note: The attached video was originally published on Nov. 20, 2023.
The Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention announced Tuesday it has identified a case of hepatitis A in a Westbrook food service worker at Legends Rest Taproom and Paper City BBQ.
The individual reportedly worked during their infectious period at the restaurants located at 855 Main Street in Westbrook on Jan. 14, 17-21, 24-28, 31, and Feb. 2-4, the Maine CDC said in a news release.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis virus, which can be spread through person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or water.
The Maine CDC said anyone who dined in or ordered takeout from Legends Rest Taproom or Paper City BBQ during the above dates could be at risk for hepatitis A infection.
“The proprietors are working closely with the Maine CDC, and there is no concern about ongoing exposure outside of these dates,” the release stated.
To prevent getting hepatitis A, you can get vaccinated. If exposed to hepatitis A, you can avoid getting sick if you get the vaccine within 14 days of exposure—the hepatitis A vaccine is a two-dose series. The Maine CDC said at least 94 out of 100 people become immune to the hepatitis A virus after one dose, for several years, but getting a second dose ensures long-term protection.
If you ate at Legends Rest Taproom or Paper City BBQ
- Discard any leftover food bought at this restaurant during the dates listed above.
- If eligible, get vaccinated.
- If you ate or drank from this restaurant during these dates, get a hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of the last time eating or drinking there.
- If more than 14 days have passed, people who have not previously been vaccinated may still get the vaccine at any time to protect against future exposures.
- Individuals who worked in the restaurant during these dates should get a hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last date worked.
- Ask your health care provider if you need hepatitis A immune globulin (IG) in addition to hepatitis A vaccine; certain people may need both.
- If you are already vaccinated for hepatitis A, you are already protected. You do not need to get any additional hepatitis A vaccine doses now.
"If you ate or drank at this restaurant during any of these dates, watch for symptoms of hepatitis A for up to 50 days from the last day you ate, drank, or worked at the restaurant. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, seek medical attention," the Maine CDC said.
Possible symptoms
- Feeling tired
- Low or no appetite
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dark-colored urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fever
- Joint pain
Symptoms begin to show anywhere from 15-50 days after exposure to the virus and range from mild to severe. Individuals who become ill may need to go to the hospital and symptoms can last several months. Most children under six years old have mild or no symptoms, according to the release.
The Maine CDC said cases of hepatitis A in Maine have remained elevated since an initial increase in 2019. Anyone with an increased risk of becoming infected is advised to protect themselves and get the hepatitis A vaccine.
For more information on hepatitis A, click here.