Hepatitis A Virus infection in a food handler :: SA Health

Hepatitis A Virus infection in a food handler

13 October 2011

The Communicable Disease Control Branch (CDCB) has been notified this week of a food handler diagnosed with Hepatitis A Virus infection. The case prepared food at the Yakatori Takumi restaurant, 55 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide while presymptomatic but infectious.

Household contacts and other food handlers at the restaurant have been offered post exposure prophylaxis. SA Health has assessed the risk to patrons of the Yakatori restaurant as low; however it is possible that patrons who ate at the restaurant between 21st Sept and 4th Oct may have been exposed to the virus. There is no ongoing risk to restaurant patrons attending the restaurant from 5th Oct onwards.

Medical practitioners are asked to be alert for possible cases of Hepatitis A Virus infection among patrons who attended the restaurant during the above period.

Hepatitis A Virus is transmitted by the faecal-oral route and usually spreads either directly from person to person or from consuming contaminated food or water. The virus survives well in the environment and is relatively resistant to heat and freezing.

The incubation period is 15 to 50 days, usually 28-30 days. Cases frequently present with fever, malaise, weakness, anorexia, nausea and vomiting. Dark urine is usually the first specific sign of acute hepatitis A infection, followed one or two days later by jaundice and pale faeces. Please note that the infection may be subclinical and / or anicteric, particularly in young children.

If you suspect Hepatitis A Virus infection in a patient please:

  • send 10 mls clotted blood (white top tube) for urgent Hepatitis A IgM, Hepatitis A total antibody, and liver function testing, and
  • telephone CDCB on 1300 232 272 (24 hours/7 days) to urgently notify the case and
  • discuss public health management of contacts with CDCB.

There is no specific treatment. Further information on use of immunoglobulin and vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis may be found in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

A hepatitis A fact sheet for the public is available at:

For further information please call 1300 232 272 (24 hours/ 7 days).

Dr Ann Koehler - Director, Communicable Disease Control Branch