Hawaii Health Officials Order Several Sushi Joints Closed Amid Hepatitis A Outbreak

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When you think of Hawaii, seafood may come to mind, considering the state is surrounded by water. But hungry folks looking for sushi have a few less options right now, after the state’s department of health ordered several restaurants closed amid an ongoing Hepatitis A outbreak.

The Hawaii State Department of Health is investigating a cluster of infections on Oahu after confirming 168 recent cases of Hepatitis A. While it’s trying to figure out what happened, it’s ordered all Oahu and Kauai Genki Sushi Restaurants to close for business as of Monday, HawaiiNewsNow.com reports [warning: link contains video that autoplays].

The source of the outbreak is likely a batch of imported frozen scallops that were served raw at those restaurants.

“The Department of Health has determined the Hepatitis A outbreak on Oahu is likely due to imported frozen scallops served raw at Genki Sushi Restaurants on Oahu and Kauai. The restaurants have been closed tonight to prevent any further illness and protect the public,” health officials said.

All cases of Hepatitis A have been in adults, with 46 of those requiring hospitalization.

In addition to the now-closed sushi restaurants, there’s also a list of “places of interest” on the HDOH site, though the department notes that it doesn’t indicate that the businesses on it are sources of the outbreak.

“At this time, no infections have been linked to exposure to these businesses,” HDOH says. “The likelihood that patrons of these businesses will become infected is very low. However, persons who have consumed food or drink products from these businesses during the identified dates of service should contact their healthcare provider for advice and possible preventive care.”

Genki Sushi’s scallops are source of hepatitis A outbreak, state says [HawaiiNewsNow.com]

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