Health District reports potential hepatitis A exposure

Encourages Southern Nevadans to review immunization status

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 28, 2019

LAS VEGAS — 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, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (Maryland Parkway and 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 Friday, July 26 and Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, at this 7-Eleven location that they may have been exposed to the virus.

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. Updated outbreak reports are available on the Health District website at www.SNHD.info/hep-a-control. For up to date information on the nationwide Hepatitis A outbreak visit the CDC website.

Hepatitis A is commonly spread from person-to-person through the fecal-oral route. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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. Please 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.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.