Lucas County health officials identify hepatitis A case in Dave and Buster's employee

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department has confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food handler at Dave & Buster’s restaurant on Monroe Street, the department said Thursday.

The sign at the Dave & Buster's location at Franklin Park in Toledo.

Any restaurant patrons who consumed food or drink there between March 1 and March 29 are encouraged to monitor potential symptoms and contact their health care provider to be assessed for vaccination or treatment.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease that can be spread by ingesting food or water contaminated by feces or through sexual contact. Symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, and jaundice can appear two to six weeks after exposure.

The employee is not currently working and is receiving medical care, according to the health department. The restaurant, located at 5001 Monroe St., is working with health officials to avoid additional exposure. 

Southeast Michigan is experiencing a hepatitis A outbreak that began in August, 2016. As of April 11, 804 cases and 25 deaths have been confirmed in the region, according to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Seventeen of those cases are from Monroe County.

Earlier this month, Lucas County health officials said they have seen an uptick in hepatitis A cases in the county linked to the Michigan outbreak.

Health Commissioner Eric Zgodzinski said the food handler is the seventh case identified in Lucas County in 2018. One additional case was identified in August, 2017.

There is no indication the other Lucas County cases are tied to Dave & Buster's, Mr. Zgodzinski said.

"We have an indication that there has been travel up into Michigan for almost all these cases," he said.

Health officials encouraged residents to practice frequent hand washing and safe food preparation.

A statement provided by the restaurant read, in part: “Dave & Busters is committed to the health and safety of our employees and guests and is working closely with the Health Department.” Customers with questions are encouraged to call 844-344-9444 or 844-617-8237.

Spokesman Pam Ritz said the Toledo restaurant closed Thursday evening for cleaning and will re-open with the health department’s approval.

For more information about hepatitis A, call the local health department at 419-213-4216 or visit lucascountyhealth.com.

Contact Lauren Lindstrom at llindstrom@theblade.com, 419-724-6154, or on Twitter @lelindstrom.