AUGUSTA — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has identified a case of hepatitis A in a Portland food service worker. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can spread through person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or water.
The individual worked during their infectious period at Green Elephant Bistro, 608 Congress St., Portland on the following dates:
- 9/21 (dinner only)
- 9/23 (lunch and dinner)
- 9/24 (dinner only)
- 9/27 (dinner only)
- 9/28 (lunch and dinner)
- 9/30 (lunch and dinner)
- 10/1 (dinner only)
- 10/4 (dinner only)
- 10/5 (dinner only)
Anyone who dined in at this restaurant during these days could be at risk for hepatitis A infection. Customers who purchased and/or ate takeout food or drink from this restaurant during these days are not known to have been exposed. The restaurant is working closely with Maine CDC and has reported no ongoing exposure after these dates.
You can prevent getting hepatitis A with a vaccine. People exposed to hepatitis A can avoid getting sick if they get the vaccine within 14 days of the exposure. If you think you were exposed and may need a vaccine, contact a health care provider. Hepatitis A vaccines are also available at some pharmacies without a prescription.
Hepatitis A vaccine is available without a prescription for anyone who does not have health insurance at Portland Public Health on the following dates:
- Tuesday 10/17 from 12-2 p.m.
- Wednesday 10/18 from 5-7 p.m.
- Thursday 10/19 from 1-3 p.m.
For those with insurance, vaccines will be available without a prescription at the 295 Forest Avenue, Portland, pharmacy location of Hannaford on the following date:
- Monday 10/16 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Hepatitis A vaccine is a two-dose series. After one dose, at least 94 out of 100 people become immune for several years. Getting the second dose ensures long-term protection.
Individuals who were potentially exposed should:
- 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.
- Monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention:
- 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 15–50 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. People who get very ill may need to go to a hospital and their symptoms can last several months. Most children younger than 6 years old have mild or no symptoms.
Cases of hepatitis A in Maine have remained elevated since an initial increase in 2019. People at increased risk of becoming infected should protect themselves with a hepatitis A vaccine.
For more information on hepatitis A, visit www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/.