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# Maine health agency issues alert after food service worker tests positive for hepatitis A
- URL: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2023/11/maine-health-agency-issues-alert-after-food-service-worker-tests-positive-for-hepatitis-a/
- Published: 2023-11-16T00:14:33.000Z
- Updated: 2023-11-16T00:14:52.000Z
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: Consumer Education, Foodborne Pathogens, For Consumers, 2023 public warnings, foodservice, Hepatitis A, Maine, Maine CDC, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-11-25 08:18

TheMaine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a case of hepatitis A in a Falmouth food service worker. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It can spread through person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food or water.

The individual worked during their infectious period atThe Dockside Grill, 215 Foreside Road, Falmouth, on the following dates:

- October 23-25
- November 6-8

Anyone who dined in or ordered takeout from this restaurant during these days could be at risk for hepatitis A infection. The restaurant is working closely with the Maine CDC and there is no concern about ongoing exposure outside of these dates.

You can prevent getting hepatitis A with a vaccine and those exposed to hepatitis A can avoid getting sick if they get the vaccine within 14 days of the exposure The hepatitis A vaccine is a two-dose series. After one dose, at least 94 out of 100 people become immune to the hepatitis A virus for several years. Getting the second dose ensures long-term protection.

**Individuals who were potentially exposed should:**

1. Discard any leftover food bought at this restaurant during the dates listed above.
2. If eligible, get vaccinated.  
  - If you ate or drank from this restaurant during these dates, get a hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of the last time eating or drinking there.
  - If more than 14 days have passed, people who have not previously been vaccinated may still get the vaccine at any time to protect against future exposures.
  - Individuals who worked in the restaurant during these dates should get a hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last date worked.
  - Ask your health care provider if you need hepatitis A immune globulin (IG) in addition to hepatitis A vaccine; certain people may need both.
  - If you are already vaccinated for hepatitis A, you are already protected. You do not need to get any additional hepatitis A vaccine doses now.
3. If you ate or drank at this restaurant during any of these dates, watch for symptoms of hepatitis A for up to 50 days from the last day you ate, drank, or worked at the restaurant.If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, seek medical attention.  
  - feeling tired
  - low or no appetite
  - stomach pain
  - nausea
  - diarrhea
  - dark-colored urine
  - jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  - fever
  - joint pain

Symptoms begin to show 15–50 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. People who get very ill may need to go to a hospital and their symptoms can last several months. Most children younger than 6 years old have mild or no symptoms.

Cases of hepatitis A in Maine have remained elevated since an initial increase in 2019\. People at increased risk of becoming infected should protect themselves with a hepatitis A vaccine.

For more information on hepatitis A, visit [www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/](https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/?ref=foodsafetynews.com).