LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Southern Nevada Health District has identified a person with hepatitis A that worked at a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 2910 S. Maryland Parkway, near Vegas Valley Drive, while they were potentially infectious to others.
Although transmission of hepatitis A from food handlers to patrons is rare, the Health district is informing customers who purchased non-prepackaged foods such as hot dogs or hot deli items between July 26 and Aug. 7, 2019, at this 7-Eleven location that they may have been exposed to the virus.
RELATED: Acute Hepatitis A outbreak declared for Clark County
Customers who purchased food at this location should contact their health care providers about getting a hepatitis A immunization or receiving post-exposure treatment. Packaged items, including bottled beverages and microwaved foods, are not implicated in this potential exposure. Customers who are fully vaccinated (two doses) against hepatitis A or who consumed only packaged or bottled items are not at increased risk.
This person is considered linked to the ongoing outbreak in Clark County. Currently, there are 86 reported cases, and one person has died.
Hepatitis A is commonly spread from person-to-person through the fecal-oral route, according to the SNHD.
Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Vaccination is the best prevention against hepatitis A. Practicing good hygiene can also help prevent the transmission of hepatitis A. Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
Food handlers are not at increased risk for hepatitis A virus because of their occupation. Most food handlers with hepatitis A virus infection do not transmit it to exposed consumers or patrons.
During ongoing outbreaks, transmission from food handlers to restaurant patrons has been extremely rare due to sanitation standards and food safety practices that help prevent the spread of the virus.
PREVIOUS STORY: OUTBREAK: 46 new cases of Hepatitis A since May in Clark County
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend vaccinating all food handlers because it would not be an effective method of stopping an outbreak. Hepatitis A outbreaks primarily affect individuals who report using injection or non-injection drugs and people experiencing homelessness.
For information about the Health district’s immunization clinics, call 702-759-0850.
Immunizations are available at the following locations. Guests are advised to arrive by 4 p.m. to allow time for processing:
Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 570 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite D1, Las Vegas
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Southern Nevada Health District Henderson Clinic, 874 American Pacific Dr., Henderson
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Closed daily 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
By appointment only. Call (702) 759-0960.
Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Closed noon – 1 p.m.
By appointment only. Call (702) 759-1682.
