The Macomb County Health Department has confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food service worker at a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Warren.
The restaurant at 29287 Mound was inspected Tuesday, according to a release from the health department. The eatery has been approved to operate, and management worked with the health department in the investigation.
The health department is advising anyone who ate at the restaurant from March 24 through April 9 to watch for symptoms of hepatitis A, which include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, fever, chills and yellow skin and eyes or jaundice.
Symptoms can develop anywhere from 15 and 50 days after exposure, the health department said. People developing these symptoms should get medical care.
The health department also recommends a hepatitis A vaccine for previously unvaccinated people who consumed food at the restaurant from March 24 and April 9. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days after potential exposure. The vaccine is available at the county health department, some health care providers and pharmacies, according to the release.
Michigan is experiencing a serious hepatitis A outbreak. More than 800 cases have been reported statewide since August of 2016.
Hepatitis A infection is a contagious liver disease that is caused by ingesting the virus through contact with objects, food or drinks contaminated by the feces of an infected person or contaminated food or water supply, according to the county health department.
According to the Oakland County Health Department, most people recover completely and death or serious illness is very rare, but may occur if a person is already ill or elderly. There is no specific treatment for the infection, but a doctor can recommend measures, such as rest, change in diet and guidelines to reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
Some of the best ways to prevent infection are to get vaccinated; wash hands after using the restroom and before eating or preparing meals; use your own towels, toothbrushes and eating utensils; do not have sex with someone who has hepatitis A infection, and do not share food, drinks, drugs or cigarettes with other people, according to the Macomb County Health Department.
The Macomb County Health Department has three locations: the Mt. Clemens Health Center, 43525 Elizabeth, in Mt. Clemens; the Southwest Health Center, 27690 Van Dyke, Suite B, in Warren, and the Southeast Family Resource Center, 25401 Harper, in St. Clair Shores.