Hepatitis A diagnosed in Birmingham restaurant employee

An employee at an upscale Birmingham restaurant has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A and may have exposed diners to the disease, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The unnamed Wayne County resident works at Social Kitchen and Bar at 225 East Maple in Birmingham, officials said. Patrons who consumed food or drinks at the restaurant between July 16 and Aug. 6 may have been exposed.

“Patrons should monitor for symptoms of Hepatitis A infection, which include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, fever, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes,” the state health agency said in a news release. “The Oakland County Health Division is conducting outreach to restaurant employees to recommend prophylaxis treatment” – measures taken to prevent the onset of a communicable disease.

Josh Humphrey, co-owner of Social Kitchen and Bar, said the employee was a food service worker. He would not say if the woman was a cook or server.

He told The Detroit News the restaurant is doing “everything by the book” to handle the “unfortunate situation.”

Humphrey said there has not been any more reported illnesses from Social Kitchen employees or customers.

The employee who contracted Hepatitis A is still employed by the restaurant, but she will not return to work until she’s cleared by her doctor and the health department, Humphrey said.

If administered within two weeks of exposure, a vaccine can prevent the onset of the disease, officials said. Those who visited Social Kitchen and Bar between July 27 and Aug. 6 are encouraged to contact their health care providers to inquire about the vaccine, which also may be available at some local pharmacies.

Individuals who previously had Hepatitis A or have received two doses of the vaccine do not need to be immunized again.

“Fortunately, no one else has reported any illness,” officials at the restaurant said in a statement. “On Aug. 8, the Health Department inspected the restaurant and authorized us to remain open. The restaurant is 100 percent compliant with Health Department regulations and will continue to maintain the highest food safety standards.”

Incubation periods for Hepatitis A range from 15 to 50 days and symptoms typically last several weeks to several months, health officials said. Most patients recover without complications.

Frequent hand washing and appropriately cooking foods can help prevent the spread of infection.

Anyone who develops Hepatitis A symptoms should stay home and contact a healthcare provider, officials said.

The eatery has a second location in Grand Rapids.

hfournier@detroitnews.com

(313) 223-4616

More information:

■ Oakland Health Division, 1 (800) 848-5533

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

■ Wayne County Wellness Services Division, (734) 727-7078

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.