Connecticut Residents Warned of Hepatitis A Risk from Shellfish
A hepatitis A outbreak in New York has Connecticut health officials on high alert. The Connecticut Department of Public Health is warning residents that they may have been exposed to the virus through contaminated shellfish.
The outbreak, which has infected at least 25 people in New York, is believed to have originated from shellfish served at multiple restaurants. According to the New York State Department of Health, the outbreak is linked to a Long Island shellfish distributor that supplied the contaminated shellfish.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease that can be spread through contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact. The virus typically causes symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
Shellfish Warning Issued to Connecticut Residents
Connecticut health officials are urging residents to be cautious when consuming shellfish. “If you’ve purchased or consumed shellfish from a Long Island distributor in recent weeks, especially from restaurants in the New York area, it’s possible you may have been exposed,” said Deidre Gifford, Connecticut’s acting public health commissioner.
Gifford emphasized that the risk is highest for individuals who consumed shellfish between March 16 and March 23. However, she noted that the virus can take up to 50 days to develop symptoms.
Precautions and Treatment
The Connecticut Department of Public Health recommends that residents who have consumed contaminated shellfish within the past few weeks to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms. Additionally, individuals who have been vaccinated against hepatitis A or have had the disease in the past are considered highly unlikely to contract the virus again.
Residents are also advised to practice good hygiene, including washing their hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food.
For more information on the hepatitis A outbreak and prevention measures, residents can contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health at 860-509-7740 or visit their website at www.ct.gov/dph.
