6 People with Hepatitis A Ate at Chipotle in La Mesa, California
Update to the entry below: There are now 21 confirmed cases of hepatitis A associated with the La Mesa Chipotle.
At least 6 people who ate at a La Mesa Chipotle restaurant have contracted hepatitis A. Using epidemiological and microbiological evidence, we have successfully recovered significant amounts for victims of food poisoning associated with restaurants, even in cases where a food source was not pinpointed. If you would like to know more about restaurant liability in a hepatitis A case, please contact a lawyer at our office at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form.
In most hepatitis A cases, food served to the sickened patrons was contaminated with the feces of a food handler who had hepatitis A. In the case of a restaurant like Chipotle, the most likely scenario was that a sickened food handler contaminated food while cooking or serving the food. In a recent hepatitis case involving a restaurant (not Chipotle), health officials determined that the food source of the outbreak was most likely raw lettuce that the sickened employee had chopped up. Health officials may not find even a likely food source of this outbreak.
"Our Community Epidemiology Branch and DEH are working closely with the restaurant to determine the source of the hepatitis A infection,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County of San Diego Public Health Officer. "Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable illness, and we recommend that the public talk to their physicians about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A."
Epidemiology and DEH staff are conducting interviews with restaurant employees and patients and taking blood samples to determine the source of infection. “We don’t yet know if the source was an ill person or contaminated food,” said Gary Erbeck, director, DEH. “Chipotle officials have been cooperative as the investigation continues.”
The County recommends that individuals who dined at the restaurant between March 1 and April 22, 2008 - and are symptomatic for hepatitis A - see their physician to be screened for the illness.
Hepatitis A symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice. Hepatitis A does not become chronic; symptoms usually last less than 2 months.
In 2007, there were 82 cases of Hepatitis A in San Diego County. Individuals with no medical provider, or anyone who would like more information, may call the County Epidemiology Branch at (619) 515-6620. Information about Hepatitis A vaccine may be obtained from the HHSA Immunizations Branch at (619) 692-8661. For questions regarding legal representation in a Chipotle lawsuit, you may contact our law firm at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form.
http://foodpoisoning.pritzkerlaw.com/admin/trackback/69196
Is there a specific day when most of the sickened 22 people ate at Chipotle? My husband and I ate there 2 times, onece in March and the other time was April 9th. We have no symptoms yet, but I am wondering if there is still a chance we could get sick? Thanks! Marcy
The incubation period for hepatitis A is between 10 and 50 days (mean 30 days). You should watch for symptoms of hepatitis A, including fever, malaise, nausea, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. If you have any of these symptoms, you should get medical attention.
If you are diagnosed with hepatitis A, you should consult an attorney. Our toll-free number is 1-888-377-8900.
This is not legal or medical advice.