Yakima County Experiences Outbreak of Hepatitis A

The Yakima Health District says the last couple of weeks have seen five patients who have tested positive for Acute Hepatitis A in Yakima County.

The Health District’s has determined that all cases occurred within the homeless and/or the illicit drug user population.

In a news release health officials say "there was a potential exposure from October 23rd to October 31st at Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen (2406 W. Nob Hill Blvd. Yakima, WA). Popeye’s was notified of this exposure on November 6, 2019. Upon notification, Popeye’s disinfected the restaurant and will be working with the Yakima Health District to ensure there is no continued risk of exposure at the restaurant". 

All customers who were at Popeye’s from October 23rd to October 31st should be sure that they have been vaccinated against hepatitis A or obtain the hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. To check your vaccination record you can go to WA.MyIR.Net or call your primary care provider. To get the vaccine contact your primary care provider or call your local pharmacy.

If you are not vaccinated and begin to develop symptoms such as yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine and/or pale stools, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, joint pain, and abdominal pain, contact your primary care provider immediately.

The Yakima Health District’s Health Officer, Dr. Chris Spitters, wants to remind people that, “The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated and to have good handwashing practices. As of 1996, children have been routinely vaccinated between their first and second birthdays.”

For more information on hepatitis A: Yakima Health District Washington Department of Health 2019 Hepatitis A Outbreak web page Centers for Disease Control .