Hepatitis A alert for deli patrons

Public health officials are urging shots for anyone who ate a sandwich from Jerry’s Deli in Westwood on certain dates in November, after an employee there came down with hepatitis A.

The dates are November 18, 21, 23 and 24. The public health department said those who may have been exposed should get an immune globulin shot or a hepatitis A vaccination no later than 14 days after their exposure to prevent or reduce illness.

People who ate food other than sandwiches aren’t considered to be at risk. Only the Westwood branch of Jerry’s Deli is affected.

Affected diners should contact their personal physician promptly about getting a shot. If that’s not possible, immune globulin and hepatitis A vaccine are also available at some county clinics through Dec. 8. For more information, call 211 or click here. The Department of Public Health also has compiled this Q&A.

Posted 12/2/10