Potential Hepatitis A Exposure linked to Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, MI

7778 Sashabaw Road, Independence charter Township, 48348 Michigan, United States

Oakland County Health Division announced a suspected case of Hepatitis A associated with the Ivy Lounge at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston. The Health Division requests all attendees, their guests, and staff who consumed food there between August 26 – September 8 to remain vigilant.

This suspected Hepatitis A exposure has prompted the Health Division to take a proactive approach for the protection of the Theatre's season members, their guests, and staff. Authorities advise monitoring for symptoms like sudden abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and vomiting, followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Vaccination is recommended for those who have not received adequate immunization, especially if they consumed food at the Ivy Lounge during the first week of September.

Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County medical director, noted that while the risk of transmission in this specific situation is considered low, immediate vaccination remains vital. Hepatitis A – a liver infection caused by a virus – boasts an incubation period of two to six weeks. The virus is most commonly spread through contact with contaminated substances, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and vaccination.

Unvaccinated people who may have been exposed between September 1-8 are encouraged to receive the vaccine urgently. The health department recommended the following actions based on exposure dates:
Exposure Date -- Recommended Action
Aug. 26 (Lynyrd Skynyrd concert) -- Monitor for symptoms
Aug. 29 (Arctic Monkeys concert)-- Monitor for symptoms
Aug. 30 (Foreigner concert)-- Monitor for symptoms
Sept. 1 (Disturbed concert)-- Get vaccinated by Sept. 15
Sept. 2 (Beck and Phoenix concert) -- Get vaccinated by Sept. 16
Sept. 3 (Pentatonix concert) -- Get vaccinated by Sept. 17
Sept. 5 (Rob Zombie concert-- Get vaccinated by Sept. 19
Sept. 6 (Smashing Pumpkins concert) -- Get vaccinated by Sept. 20
Sept. 8 (Jason Aldean concert) -- Get vaccinated by Sept. 22

It is crucial to reiterate that hand-washing with soap and warm water, alongside regular disinfection in homes and workplaces, are effective preventive measures. The health division also warns against preparing food if symptomatic, recommending a waiting period extending to a few days past the resolution of symptoms.

In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

Source: www.oakgov.com/Home/Components/News/News/837/2027