Cases of hepatitis A associated with Galatwar disease, part of an outbreak throughout Louisiana | News

A new case of ongoing hepatitis A outbreaks that has spread in Louisiana since 2018 is associated with Galatoire’s Restaurant.

According to a restaurant statement, the French Quarter’s fine dining facility was notified by the Louisiana Department of Health of “a possible incident between early August and mid-August.”

“According to our own high standards, we have accepted the support of the Ministry of Health and have summarized the steps we can take to help Galatoire serve our team and guests as much as possible,” said the restaurant. Said in a statement by email.

The restaurant did not provide details on how many people were infected or whether the illness was confirmed by staff or guests.

The cause of the illness has not been disclosed, but the case is one of 1,244 cases recorded by Louisiana since January 1, 2018. Four people have died since the first declaration of an outbreak in the state. 60% of known infections required hospitalization.

Prior to the outbreak, the state had recorded a maximum of 14 cases in a year since 2008.

Galatoire closed its doors early in the coronavirus pandemic and resumed socially distant tables and other safety measures in late May. John Georges, owner of The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate is also a restaurant partner.

It is unknown how the disease, a highly contagious liver infection, was transmitted. According to Dr. Joe Canter, Assistant Secretary of State, who led the vaccination efforts among the homeless when the incident began to occur in the city, hepatitis A is usually a drug-using or homeless person. Spreads most rapidly between.

“[An incident] It usually shows that the hepatitis A problem that is occurring in the community is greater, “Kanter said.

Although some of the past outbreaks of hepatitis A are due to food sources, food poisoning-induced hepatitis A outbreaks are “very rare,” Kanter said. Ah Recent survey Of the nearly 23,000 cases of hepatitis A out of 26 state health departments, less than 4% were infected by food handlers.

According to Canter, state vaccination efforts to control hepatitis A have been suspended during the first few months of COVID-19. During that time, hepatitis A also decreased. Probably because people were at home.

However, the outbreak of hepatitis A reappeared between May and June. Health officials have vaccinated the most vulnerable groups, but the New Orleans area is particularly at risk.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen more cases in New Orleans than in other regions,” Canter said. “We have homeless shelters, homeless camps, and a not-so-small community of drug users-all the components of a bad outbreak.”

And as the flu season approaches, the increasing number of hepatitis A in New Orleans reminds us that other illnesses remain a threat in the pandemic.

“If you’re over 50, it’s important to have a cancer screening every year and a colonoscopy every year,” Kanter said. “All issues … still important before COVID.”

In a typical year, Louisiana sees about nine cases of hepatitis A. This is a liver infection that causes fatigue, jaundice, nausea and rare moments …

The disease is spread by small fecal particles that spread through food, drink, or other objects contaminated by the infected person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can also be widespread through close personal contact such as oral anal sex, caring for an infected person, or drug use with others.

Infectious diseases can be prevented with vaccines. This is recommended for children by the American Pediatric Society.

The severity of the illness requires hospitalization, ranging from mild illness that lasts for weeks to severe illness that lasts for months. Symptoms include stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, fatigue, darkening of urine, pale stools, and abnormal liver tests.

The restaurant participated in a state health program that provides vaccinations to all employees and said it had passed a “highly rated” health checkup.

“Galatoire’s protocol, which protects both guests and staff, is more extensive and powerful than ever,” the restaurant said.

Emily Woodruff covers the public health of The Times-Picayune | New Orleans supporters as a member of the US Corps.