PONTIAC (WWJ) - Concertgoers who attended shows at Pine Knob Music Theatre within the last month are being warned of potential exposure to hepatitis A as reported by Metro Detroit health officials.
Oakland County Health Division issued the alert on Friday, Sept. 15, stating they're investigating a suspected case of hepatitis A connected to the Ivy Lounge at the popular Clarkston music venue.
Officials advised guests, staff and season members who ate from the Ivy Lounge between Aug. 26 and Sept. 8 to monitor for symptoms of the virus and, if unvaccinated for hepatitis A, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“The risk of transmission in this specific situation is low,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County medical director. “If you have not been vaccinated, get vaccinated. The vaccine can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after exposure.”
According to the World Health Organization, Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is found in the blood and stool of an infected person and is commonly spread through close personal contact with an infected person, such as touching hands, or through eating contaminated food or drink.
Health officials went on to say unvaccinated individuals that may have been exposure to the virus at the Ivy Lounge from Sept. 1 - 8 can receive the vaccine by the 14-day deadline.
A rundown of the suspected exposure dates and recommended actions complied by OCHD are as follows:
Exposure
The Health Division is holding a special clinic from 10 a.m. – noon Sunday, Sept. 17 at the North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Building 34E in Pontiac to assist those that may need a hepatitis A vaccine.
No registration is needed.
Anyone suspected of being exposed to the virus are being encouraged to watch for hepatitis A symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you become ill to report you have a known hepatitis A exposure.
Symptoms include:
• Sudden abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dark urine
• Vomiting followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes.
"Symptoms may appear from two to six weeks after exposure, with the average time being about one month," health officials stated. "In rare cases of hepatitis A infection, those with a pre-existing severe illness or a compromised immune system can progress to liver failure."
How to reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis A:
• Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food. Rub hands vigorously with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds. Handwashing is essential and one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection.
• Clean and disinfect all surface areas if someone in the household or workplace has symptoms, especially areas such as toilets, sinks, trashcans, doorknobs, and faucet handles.
• Do not prepare food if you have symptoms and refrain from food preparation for at least three days after symptoms have ended, or two weeks after onset of clinical symptoms, whichever is longer.
• Get the hepatitis A vaccine. It is available through some health care providers, Health Division offices and many pharmacies. Call ahead to ensure your health care provider or pharmacy has the vaccine available.
Health Division offices are located at the following addresses:
• N. Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Building 34 East, Pontiac
• South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
"If you have insurance, check with your health care/insurance provider for possible benefit coverage. No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay," the OCHD said. "A discounted/sliding fee schedule is available. Vaccine fees are charged to individuals who are not eligible for federal and/or state programs that cover vaccination costs."
Health officials added that patients can pay using cash or credit card.
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children up to 18-years-old.
More information about hepatitis A can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com.
Nurse on Call is available Friday, Sept 15 until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Regular Nurse on Call hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter).