Posted on 02/19/2007 12:41:27 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
Recent diners at Pappasito's on I-45 North were possibly exposed, may need shots
The health department will offer free shots of immune globulin antibodies for those who dined at the restaurant Feb. 7, 8 and 9: • When: 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
• Where: Mangum-Howell Center, formerly the Doss Community Center, 2500 Frick
• Information: 713-212-0200 or www.hcphes.org Health officials say that anyone who ate at a north Houston Pappasito's Cantina in late January or earlier this month may have been exposed to hepatitis A by an infected member of the waitstaff.
A health advisory was issued Sunday for those who ate at the Pappasito's at 15280 Interstate 45 North on Jan. 23-27; Jan. 30-31; and Feb. 1, 3, 7, 8 and 9. Officials know of only one infection involving the I-45 North restaurant.
Anyone exposed to hepatitis A can be treated with antibodies, but they must receive shots no later than two weeks after exposure, said Dr. Herminia Palacio of the Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services Department.
"This is one of those cases where we were notified in time to actually do something about it," she said. "We're still within the two-week window for folks who ate at this restaurant. This announcement is to offer those folks protection."
The health department will offer free shots of immune globulin antibodies to people who dined at the restaurant on Feb. 7, 8 and 9. The shot will prevent hepatitis A infection from the current exposure, but doesn't offer lifelong immunity.
Feb. 7 diners should get shots no later than Wednesday, while Feb. 8 diners should get shots no later than Thursday and Feb. 9 diners should get shots no later than Friday.
For those who missed the deadline, look for such symptoms as fever, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice, and contact a health care provider.
Employee tested positive
There is no cure for hepatitis A, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, but most people who are infected do not develop major long-term health problems, Palacio added. Hepatitis A is contracted orally.
"Hepatitis A, fortunately, generally speaking, does not have long-term consequences," Palacio said, but added that some infected people have significant health problems.
Most people infected with hepatitis A will recover within several weeks.
Health officials were notified that a member of the waitstaff was infected after the person became sick, visited a health care provider and tested positive. Upon inspection of the restaurant, officials noticed that some employees were not wearing gloves or using scoops when serving tortilla chips.
"The restaurant was really good about working with us and remedying all food-handling issues," Palacio said.
The restaurant manager referred all media questions to the corporate office, but a representative for Pappas Restaurants could not be reached for comment Sunday.
robert.crowe@chron.com
Houston homecookin' ping
Someone was on a Houston talk show recently discussing the hazards of Hepatitis from all of the mobile taco stands and push carts. Looks as it it has made it's way to restaurants. Maybe some of the restaurant employees prefer other types of food.
Illegal Aliens ?
YEP
PSA Ping!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
Had the same thing happen here in D/FW a few years back. It was an On The Border restaurant. Oh, the irony.
wash your hands
Rare brain worms spread by unsanitary cooks[Texas]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1766726/posts
But, but it was just one of Jorge's hard working guests!
Maybe, the semi-literate illegal aliens working in the kitchens don't understand anything about the importance of hygine and washing hands before preparing food.
I quit eating at Taqueria Arandas because too many people I know, including my son, were getting sick after eating there. Some of those low-end restaurants that cater to the immigrants really stink - literally - the bathrooms often contain a cardbox box near the toilet because the recent immigrants will not flush toilet paper. Eeeuuuwwww! You think they wash their hands? Ha, ha!
Pity this had to happen to them. They and their sister Cajun restaurant, Pappadeaux, are superior eateries. This story will not keep me from eating there... their food is too good. Especially Pappadeaux.
Fact is, this can happen to any restaurant... and does.
I know of a Chinese joint that closed down recently after its chefs were found dumpster-diving for lettuce in back of a grocery store.
No cuisine is immune from bad help!
Does Texas require Hep A shots for school kids? Probably should.
We LOVE Pappadeaux! I agree, this could happen anywhere.
Boy, it's a good thing Dumbya wants to open the border. These border state outbreaks of third world diseases need to be spread in a more democratic fashion ALL OVER the country.
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