Penn Yan restaurant may have exposed customers to hepatitis A

Kate Kealey, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

A restaurant in Penn Yan may have exposed its patrons to hepatitis A.

Yates County Public Health announced Tuesday that an employee at a restaurant in Penn Yan contracted hepatitis A. Doug Sinclair, Yates County Public Health Director warns anyone who ate at the restaurant from March 27 to April 3 may be exposed and should get vaccinated.

“While the risk of hepatitis A infection is low, we must act carefully to prevent the spread of this very contagious disease,” stated Sinclair in a news release. “Anyone who may have eaten at this restaurant during this timeframe should check their immunization status and if not already vaccinated against hepatitis A, come to our free clinic or visit their healthcare provider if they are experiencing symptoms.”

What restaurant was exposed to hepatitis A?

Anyone who ate at the Main Deck restaurant from March 27 to April 12 was potentially exposed to the virus. The establishment with the exposure is located at 301 Lake St. Main Deck conducted an inspection with the NYS Department of Health and has been clear to remain open, according to the restaurant's Facebook.

"We were made aware yesterday that an employee at the Main Deck has been diagnosed with hepatitis A," according to the Facebook post. "The health and safety of our patrons and employees is our highest priority. We are aware that our patrons may have had an exposure risk, and we are cooperating fully and transparently with the Yates County Public Health and the NYS Department of Health authorities."

What should I do if I may have been exposed to hepatitis A?

Most people do not get sick after an employee at a restaurant is diagnosed with hepatitis A. However, an exposure clinic is planned for April 18 for anyone who may have been to the restaurant.

The vaccine is only effective within two weeks of exposure, according to Yates County. Anyone who ate food at Main Deck between April 4 and April 12 will receive a free hepatitis vaccine at the clinic.

Anyone who ate at Main Deck between March 27 to April 3 is encouraged to monitor themselves and their families for symptoms for 50 days after consuming the food.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

If you have any of the symptoms contact your health provider and inform them you have been in contact with hepatitis A. Symptoms to watch for include the following:

  • Fever

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • abdominal pain

  • Dark-colored urine

  • Clay-colored stools

  • Joint pain

  • Jaundice

Where is the hepatitis A exposure clinic?

You can visit the exposure clinic at any time between 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The clinic will be located at the Yates County Office Building at 417 Liberty St, PennYan. To register for an appointment visit Yates County Public Health's website. You can also call (315) 536-5160 if you need help making an appointment or can't visit the clinic.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Penn Yan NY restaurant may have exposed customers to hepatitis A

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