A Monroe, Connecticut pizzeria has voluntarily closed after health officials identified the restaurant as the source of several cases of hepatitis A. At least six patrons who ate at McGowan's Pizzaland in November 2003 have tested positive for the liver disorder. Officials believe a restaurant employee may have helped spread the infection. The Connecticut Department of Public Health is asking anyone who ate at McGowan's in November to see a doctor if they develop symptoms.
In November 2003, three people died and more than 600 others fell ill due to a hepatitis A outbreak at a Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant near Pittsburgh. Investigators believe the outbreak is linked to green onions imported from Mexico.
The hepatitis A virus may be transferred from the stool of one person to the mouth of another. The virus usually enters the body through sewage contaminated water and
food, especially raw shellfish. Hepatitis A is characterized by mild "flu-like" symptoms,
jaundice, severe stomach pains and
diarrhea.
See your doctor if you have developed hepatitis A due to the 2003 outbreak at McGowan's Pizzaland in Connecticut. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Food Products & Restaurants
- Diarrhea: Overview
- Digestive Disorders: Overview
- Fatigue: Overview
- Hepatitis: Overview
- Jaundice
- Liver Failure: Overview
- Nausea: Overview