Ashton-Bash Hepatitis ScareWatch: The NYC Dept. of Health Statement

We certainly didn't mean to contribute to any level of mass panic with our urgent-yet-responsible (we like to think it was just hysterical enough) noting of a Hepatitis A scare at Ashton Kutcher's recent star-studded birthday bash. Minutes after hitting publish, however, the sight of more than a few civilians running past Defamer HQ windows, shouting things like, "We're all going to die, and that guy from Dude, Where's My Car? is the one to blame! No, not Stifler—the other oooonneeee..." before trailing off into the distance, led us to wonder if perhaps we shouldn't clarify the situation further for our readers. So to be sure, this celebrity outbreak is limited to the NYC area—unless, of course, any of the dozens of L.A.-based guests in attendance made their way back here in the ensuing two weeks, and chose to mingle with our general population. But what are the chances of that? Because accurate information at times like these is key, a Defamer operative has sent in the official statement from NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene ("NOT the Board of Health," as has been misreported), which we dutifully reprint for you here:

2008 Health Alert # 4: Exposure to hepatitis A in bar patrons

Read the rest after the jump:

Please Distribute to All Clinical Staff in Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, Infectious Diseases, Family Medicine, and Infection Control Staff

. A patient with Hepatitis A worked as a bartender at the Socialista Bar at 505 West Street in the West Village in Manhattan.
. DOHMH is recommending that all people who went to the Socialista Bar on February 7th, 8th and 11th receive prophylaxis for hepatitis A as soon as possible.
. DOHMH is offering a free clinic for prophylaxis. Patients may also be treated at their private doctor's office according to the recommendations below.

2/21/2008

Dear Colleagues,
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is investigating a case of hepatitis A in a bartender who worked at the Socialista Bar at 505 West St in Manhattan. We are recommending that all people who drank anything at the bar during the below times receive prophylaxis against hepatitis A.

February 7th 8PM to closing
February 8th 8PM to closing
February 11th 10PM to closing

Free treatment will be available at:

Public School 41 Fri, Feb. 22 4-10pm
116 West 11th (at 6th Ave) Sat, Feb 23 1-8 pm
Manhattan Sun, Feb 24 1-6 pm

Additional information about the clinic location and hours is available through 311.

Bar patrons may also receive prophylaxis at their private physician's office. ACIP recommendations for hepatitis A prophylaxis after exposure are as follows:

. For healthy persons age ? 12 months to 40 years, hepatitis A vaccine at the age appropriate dose is preferred to IG because of vaccine's advantages, including long term protection and ease of administration.

. For persons > 40 years of age, IG plus vaccine is preferred because of the absence of information regarding vaccine performance and the more severe manifestations of hepatitis A in this age group.

. IG should be used for immunocompromised persons, persons who have been diagnosed with chronic liver disease, and persons for whom vaccine is contraindicated.

For the next 6 weeks, DOHMH asks that providers to have a heightened index of suspicion for hepatitis A in patrons of this bar and to report cases promptly.

Contact information for this author is not available.

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