NYC health department warns of possible exposure to Hepatitis A at Manhattan restaurant
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- The New York City Health Department says a food handler at a restaurant in Midtown, Manhattan, might have exposed patrons to Hepatitis A.
Anyone who dined at ilili Restaurant at 236 Fifth Avenue from Jan. 31 to Feb. 9 should get a Hep A vaccination.
Additionally, anyone who ate at the restaurant from Jan. 17 through Feb. 9 should monitor for symptoms for the next seven weeks.
Those symptoms include yellow eyes and skin, fatigue, abdominal pain and nausea.
"We are urging these restaurant patrons to consult with their providers and get the hepatitis A vaccine as a precautionary measure," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. "If people experience symptoms like yellowing of eyes and skin, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, they should see a doctor immediately, especially if you have not had two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine. This incident serves as an important reminder to stay up to date with current vaccination recommendations, and to always wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease."
A spokesman for ilili said they would be open Friday as they monitor the situation:
"On Wednesday, ilili learned that one of our kitchen employees tested positive for Hepatitis A. As soon as we learned the diagnosis, we contacted the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, have been in constant communication with it, and are cooperating with it fully. The Department of Health inspected our kitchen shortly thereafter and did not find any violations or risks to public health. The Department of Health has advised we may remain open, though we continue to closely monitor the situation. As part of this effort, we deep cleaned the restaurant every four hours Wednesday night, and will bring in additional third-party cleaners to ensure sanitization."
The spokesman said they will always put the health and well-being of their customers and team first.
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