Nearly 7,000 Could Have Been Exposed to Hepatitis A at Hamptons Restaurant

According to Suffolk County, N.Y., Health Department Spokesperson Grace Kelly-McGovern, a waiter at a Southampton restaurant could have exposed approximately 6,750 diners to hepatitis A virus (HAV).

The waiter was diagnosed with HAV and hospitalized for treatment from August 23 to 26. The waiter worked at the restaurant from August 6 to August 20.

Restaurant Manager Corinne Rueb stated that it was highly unlikely that any restaurant patrons would be infected as the waiter did not touch the food being served. Also, no other restaurant staff showed signs of infection.

The health department was offering free vaccines or immune globulin to those who came in within two weeks of their potential exposure. The health department did not recommend preventive treatment for those exposed before August 16 as it would not be effective.