NYC health officials warn patrons of Alta restaurant of possible hepatitis A exposure

Patrons of West Village restaurant are being advised by New York City health officials of the risk of hepatitis A exposure after a food handler tested positive for the virus, according to a NYC Health Department press release Friday.

Hepatitis A
Image/CDC

Customers who ate dessert at the Alta restaurant on 64 W. 10th St. between March 23rd and April 2nd are urged to get Hepatitis A vaccination as a precautionary measure.

The Alta restaurant owner estimate that 450 people may have visited and had desserts on these nights.

The Health Department will also offer free Hepatitis A vaccinations to patrons starting this afternoon at the Chelsea Health Center, 303 Ninth Avenue, 1st Floor in Manhattan at the following times:

Saturday, April 6: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 7: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday, April 8: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

People who were exposed but have already received two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine sometime in their life do not need another shot; all others should be vaccinated.

“We are asking these restaurant patrons to get this vaccination as a precautionary measure,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “If people experience symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately. This incident serves as an important reminder to always wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease.”

“We are working closely with the Health Department to ensure the safety of our customers,” said Christopher Chesnutt, owner of Alta restaurant. “This is an isolated incident and the infected employee is no longer on premises.”

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, may occur a few days after symptoms appear. Anyone with these symptoms should contact a health care provider. The incubation period, or time between exposure and symptoms, is typically 28 days. It is possible for hepatitis A to be active but not show symptoms for up to 7 days. Symptoms usually last one to two weeks but can last longer. Young children with hepatitis A often have no symptoms.

Hepatitis A is spread person-to-person and through a fecal-oral transmission route, and typically occurs when a person eats food or drinks a beverage contaminated by someone with the virus. The virus is not spread by coughing, sneezing or by casual contact. Severe complications from hepatitis A are rare and occur more often in people who have liver disease or a weakened immune system.

Thorough hand washing after visits to the restroom, before touching food or drink and after changing a diaper are the best way to control the spread of hepatitis A.

An average of 65 cases of Hepatitis A occur in New York City each year, with 1-2 occurring in food handlers.

For more information on Hepatitis A, see the CDC’s page “Hepatitis A Information for the Public”.

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