Two more food service workers are among the 33 new cases of hepatitis A confirmed by the the state Department of Health on Wednesday, bringing the number of Hawaii cases to 168.
One infected food worker is employed at Papa John’s restaurant, 94-1021 Waipahu St. in Waipahu. The employee worked on July 23 and 24, and Aug. 2.
The other worker is an employee at New Lin Fong bakery at 1132 Maunakea St. in Chinatown. The employee worked on July 20, 22-23, 25, 27, 29-30, and Aug. 1, 3 and 5-6.
Health officials said the information is offered to the public in an attempt to prevent any new cases. The likelihood that customers on those dates will become infected is low, they said.
“The public’s health is our primary concern, and we feel it is important to provide them with the most up-to-date information so they can work with their health care providers to protect themselves and their families,” state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said in a press release.
“At the same time, we also want the public to understand that these businesses and the other previously affected food establishments are not the source of the outbreak,” she said.
The Papa John’s and New Lin Fong employees are the eighth and ninth food service workers identified with the viral liver disease since the outbreak started in June.
Updated case counts and information are provided each Wednesday along with a complete list of food service establishments that have had employees diagnosed with hepatitis A infection at the following link: 808ne.ws/2asZqbo.
According to the department’s Disease Outbreak Control Division, all of the cases have been in adults, with 46 of them requiring hospitalization.
The investigation is focusing on possible sources — products brought to Oahu and distributed widely around the island. Eight individuals who came down with the disease now live on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai and Maui, while one visitor has returned to the mainland.
The onset of illness has ranged between June 12 and Aug. 1.
A team of workers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention arrived in Hawaii on Sunday night to provide additional help with the investigation. They are expected to be here for two weeks.
State health officials are also working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to look at issues with food products elsewhere and to examine distributors and food establishments locally that might have received the suspected products.
Health officials are recommending that all Hawaii residents get vaccinated against hepatitis A and suggest contacting your health care provider.
Without a prescription the vaccine, given as two shots taken six months apart, can cost as much as $125.
A statewide list of vaccinating pharmacies can be found at 808ne.ws/29l6l7D, or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 211.