Local Papa Murphy’s Pizza Employee Diagnosed with Hepatitis A; Customers Possibly Exposed

(CHUBBUCK, ID)  —  If you received food from the Papa Murphy’s in Chubbuck between April 19 to 21, you many have been exposed to Hepatitis A.    Southeastern Idaho Public Health has confirmed that an employee of the business was indeed a carrier of the disease.   So far there is no evidence of an outbreak associated with the restaurant.   Even though risk to public health is low, there is a possibility that cutomers to Papa Murphy’s could have been exposed to Hepatitis A.   The restaurant has cooperated with the investigation, and the employee is believed to be adhering to proper hygience, but that he could have unknowingly contaminated food and drinks at the business.The risk of exposure is considered small, but not impossible.    SIPH recommends that those who are NOT immune to Hepatitis A and who may have eaten uncooled food, such as the uncooked cookie dough, pizza toppings or salad from the Papa Murphy’s in Chubbuck between those dates receive a Hepatitis A vaccine.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus. It can affect anyone.  The virus is usually spread by eating or drinking food items that have been contaminated with Hepatitis A from someone who hasn’t properly washed their hands after using the bathroom.

Symptoms usually occur abruptly and may include:

— Fever
— Loss of appetite
— Abdominal discomfort
— Jaundice (yellowing of the skin & eyes)
— Tiredness
— Nausea
— Dark urine

For more information, see www.siphidaho.org.