Hepatitis case at Little Tokyo eatery prompts LADPH investigation

Los Angeles County health officials said Thursday they are investigating a reported case of hepatitis A involving an employee of a Little Tokyo restaurant.

As a result, the Department of Public Health recommended that any patrons who consumed food or beverages from Azay Little Tokyo, 226 E. First St., between July 26-30 receive a hepatitis A vaccine if they are not already otherwise immune.

"People who have not received the hepatitis A vaccine or had a previous hepatitis A infection may not be protected from the virus," according to the county DPH. "Vaccination is not necessary for people who previously completed the hepatitis A vaccine series or are known to have a past infection."

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Health officials said no additional cases tied to the restaurant worker have been identified.

They stressed that receiving a vaccination as soon as possible following exposure can reduce the risk of developing an infection. Public Health officials are working to ensure other restaurant employees who are not immune receive vaccinations.

"Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus," according to the Department of Public Health. "It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, hepatitis A can cause death in some people. Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person."

People with questions or who need help finding a nearby clinic or doctor to receive a vaccine can call the DPH InfoLine at 833-540-0473, which is available daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

More information on the virus is available HERE .

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