Hepatitis outbreak traced to holiday meals at California steakhouse, officials say

An investigation into an outbreak of hepatitis A in Southern California centers on a Long Beach steakhouse, health officials say.

At least seven people who dined at 555 East American Steakhouse at 555 E. Ocean Blvd. on or around Dec. 24 have come down with the disease, KCBS reports. The source is still not clear.

Anyone who ate at the restaurant around Dec. 24 may be at risk, but health officials say the restaurant poses no further risk and is cooperating with the investigation.

“We are notifying the public of the exposure so that people can immediately seek medical care if they begin to develop symptoms,” said Long Beach health officer Dr. Anissa Davis in a statement.

“Individuals who have been vaccinated for hepatitis A or have had the disease are protected,” Davis wrote. “Those who are not immune to hepatitis A should consult their medical provider if they develop symptoms, and let their provider know they may have been exposed to hepatitis A.”

An infection of the liver, hepatitis A can be passed from person to person through contaminated food or water, health officials say. Symptoms can include “fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, low appetite, dark urine and jaundice” from two to seven weeks after exposure.

Most patients recover but hepatitis A can lead to hospitalization and severe illness, health officials say. Prevention steps include vaccination and thoroughly washing hands.