Los Angeles County health officials recommend that customers who consumed food or drinks at a Panda Express in Lancaster between July 21 and August 4 be vaccinated against hepatitis A.
The warning comes after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health identified a hepatitis A virus infection in a food handler who worked at the restaurant at 44411 Valley Central Way in Lancaster, department officials said.
So far, no additional cases have been identified.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted from person to person through the fecal-oral route (when another person ingests contaminated feces from an infected person during personal contact nearby), or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Most adults with acute hepatitis A will have symptoms that may include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark colored urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Symptoms range from mild to severe.
Hepatitis A vaccines are available at some local pharmacies or doctor’s offices. In addition, the county health department will offer free hepatitis A vaccinations to exposed individuals at the Antelope Valley Health Center, 335 E. Ave. K, between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Monday, and between 8 a.m. am and 4:30 pm Tuesday through Friday.
While timely vaccination is likely to prevent infection, infection can still occur in those who are vaccinated too late.
Vaccination is not required for people who have previously completed the hepatitis A vaccine or have had a past infection.
