Hepatitis Virus Outbreak In Napa Prompts Warning To Diners At 5-Star Resort Hotel
NAPA (CBS SF) - Five cases of Hepatitis A virus have been confirmed in Napa County, according to health officials.
Napa County Public Health officials are trying to find the source of the infection.
Two employees at La Toque restaurant and BANK Cafe and Bar in the Westin Verasa Hotel in Napa contracted the disease. People who at at these locations should monitor their health for 50 days. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movement, joint pain and jaundice. So far, there have been no known cases involving customers.
Health officials said the 3 other cases are not associated with the hotel or any other public locations.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease transmitted through person-to-person contact, or by ingesting contaminated food or drink. Children and adults who have not been fully immunized for the virus are at risk. This is the first time in more than five years that acute Hepatitis A infection has been confirmed in a Napa County resident, the county said.
Ken Frank, a spokesperson for La Toque restaurant and BANK Café and Bar, said, "La Toque restaurant and BANK Café and Bar take the health of our guests very seriously. We have strict health standards in place, and we are cooperating fully with Napa County Public Health to identify the source of the virus."
"We continue to assist Napa County Public Health and are taking all appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our guests and associates," said Don Shindle, general manager of The Westin Verasa.
People infected with the Hepatitis A virus can spread it to others two weeks before they are sick and in the seven days after they develop symptoms. Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A start on average 28 days after exposure, although they may occur 15-50 days after exposure.
People who may have been exposed are urged to wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before food preparation to avoid spreading the virus.
For more information visit the Napa County website http://www.countyofnapa.org/.
