As of January 7, 2021, the Montgomery Health Department in Philadelphia reported a Hepatitis A outbreak linked to Gino's Ristorante & Pizzeria. In the report, 11 illnesses are under investigation, with 9 cases confirmed, and 2 potential Hepatitis A illnesses. One death has been confirmed and an additional death is being investigated.
The Montgomery County Office of Public Health (OPH) has issued a mandatory temporary closure of Gino's Ristorante & Pizzeria in West Norriton, Pennsylvania due to a suspected link to the Hepatitis A outbreak in the county. As the investigation begins, and in the interest of public safety, the restaurant will be closed until further notice.
Public health officials suspect that this outbreak began in late November, and current information suggests that the outbreak "no longer presents a risk." However, the investigation is on going as they continue to receive additional information and identify potential cases.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection. The virus is generally spread when people come into trace amounts of stool from an infected person through food, drink or an object. The disease can also be spread through close contact. It can be prevented by vaccination.
Symptoms include:
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Not wanting to eat
• Upset stomach
• Throwing up
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Dark urine or light-colored stools
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Feeling tired
Hepatitis A: Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $800 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food. The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Costco, Subway, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Quiznos and Carl’s Jr. We proudly represented the family of Donald Rockwell, who died after consuming Hepatitis A tainted food and Richard Miller, who required a liver transplant after eating food at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant.
If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.