CBS News Los Angeles Live
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is recommending that customers at a Little Tokyo restaurant get vaccinated against Hepatitis A after an employee there was infected with the virus.
Scientists found the cases at Azay Restaurant, 226 E. First St. Public Health has recommended that anyone who ate at the restaurant between July 26 and July 30 get the Hepatitis A vaccine if they aren't already immune.
People who have not been vaccinated or who have previously been infected with Hepatitis A may not be protected from the virus. Vaccination is not necessary for people who have already been vaccinated or have been infected with the virus.
Public Health officials said time is of the essence because getting vaccinated soon after exposure can reduce the risk of infection.
Anyone who visited the restaurant during these times can contact their local pharmacy or health care provider to receive the vaccine. Public Health has encouraged Azay employees who are not immune to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that spreads before a person feels sick. It is spread through the faeces or blood of an infected person or through contaminated food.
It can manifest as a mild illness lasting a few weeks or a severe illness lasting several months. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. In rare cases, it can be fatal.
Public Health officials said vaccination is the best way to prevent infection because there is no specific antiviral treatment for Hepatitis A. While vaccination will likely prevent infection, people can still get sick if they don't get vaccinated soon after being exposed to the virus.
Public health officials added that older people and those with weakened immune systems may need to receive immunoglobulin and vaccinations to prevent infection after exposure.
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