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"Restaurant Patrons Possibly Exposed To Hepatitis A"
cbs2.com ^ | Dec 9, 2005 7:39 pm US/Pacific | Jennifer Sabih

Posted on 12/09/2005 9:23:13 PM PST by BenLurkin

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "(CBS) LOS ANGELES County health officials urged Café Pinot patrons to get globulin shots Friday after one of the restaurant’s employees was diagnosed with hepatitis A.

At least one of the employees at the restaurant’s Central Library location has hepatitis A and three others have symptoms consistent with the disease.

Representatives from the Patina Group, which operates Cafe Pinot, said they were working with the Los Angeles County health department to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

"When we became aware yesterday that one of our associates had a confirmed diagnosis of hepatitis A we immediately worked to take every precaution to further safeguard our guests and other associates," according to a statement from Joachim Splichal, chef and founder of the Patina Group. Splichal said his company was working in full cooperation with Fielding's office.

"They conducted a thorough inspection today and were satisfied that the proper and effective controls were in place," Splichal said. "There is no risk to the public, and no reason to suspend operation."

Health officials say they have not found a reason to close the restaurant. But anyone who might have eaten at Café Pinot since Thanksgiving should immediately contact their doctor to receive immune globulin, officials said.

Patrons should receive the immune globulin as soon as possible, but no later than two weeks after the possible exposure.

The source of the disease among the four employees is unclear, said Dr. Fielding, the county’s director of public health, but the investigation into the exposure is ongoing."