Health officials in Portland are warning patrons of two Cup & Saucer cafes that they may have been exposed to hepatitis A.
The people believed to be at risk ate at the restaurant at 8237 N. Denver Ave. from March 22-29 or at 3566 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. on March 22-23, according to the Multnomah County Health Department. They should contact their doctor.
People who ate or drank at the Denver Avenue location between Feb. 22 and March 21 should also contact their doctor if they have any symptoms of hepatitis A.
No existing cases involve the Cup & Saucer Cafe at 3000 N.E. Killingsworth St.
According to a news release, hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It typically causes a temporary illness of fever, tiredness, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes). It is highly contagious, and people become infected by swallowing the virus, which is present in the feces of an ill person. It can spread from person to person by inadequate hand washing after using the toilet or changing diapers, or eating food prepared by an infected person. It can also be passed by sexual contact. Hepatitis A is not spread by saliva.
The current investigation began with a case of hepatitis A reported on March 20. The restaurant worker stayed home to recover, and health officials vaccinated the restaurant staff according to public health guidelines. On Monday, April 3, a second individual connected to the cafe was confirmed as having hepatitis A. Because of possible transmission at the restaurant, health officials urge anyone who ate or drank at the two restaurants during the time frames above to see their health care provider to be vaccinated or receive advice specific to their situation.
The owner, managers and staff of the Cup & Saucer Cafe have been proactive in working with Multnomah County Health Department environmental health inspectors, and are working diligently to ensure a safe establishment for patrons and workers, according to the news release.
People who need more information can call the Multnomah County Communicable Disease hotline at 503-988-4454. Additional information for specific healthcare systems and vaccination options can be found on multco.us.
Additional general information about hepatitis A is on the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention hepatitis page.
