November 3, 2020

Acute Hepatitis A Case in a Food Service Worker in Bangor, Maine

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has identified a case of acute hepatitis A virus infection in a Bangor, Maine, food service worker. The case handled food while infectious on October 16-18, 20, 22-25, 27 and 29.

Epidemiological assessment of the employee's illness determined that restaurant patrons may be at risk for hepatitis A infection. Maine CDC is recommending that anyone who may have eaten food prepared at or who worked at the Texas Roadhouse in Bangor on the dates listed above between October 20th through October 29th receive hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last exposure as there is a 14-day window during which prophylaxis is effective. This recommendation includes anyone who may have had dine-in, take-out, delivery, or curbside pickup of food from the restaurant. Anyone who visited the restaurant from October 16th through October 19th, 2020, is outside the window for which prophylaxis is recommended, but is advised to watch for symptoms and seek medical attention should they develop symptoms. These recommendations are based on the best information available at this time. Health care providers are encouraged to remain vigilant for hepatitis A infection in persons with consistent symptoms and should ask individuals with such symptoms about consumption of food from this establishment during this period.

Advisory (PDF)