04/06/2013
Alta Restaurant - Hepatitis Scare
West Village Restaurant Warns Patrons
Of Possible Hepatitis A Outbreak
MANHATTAN — Diners who ate dessert at the high-end Alta Restaurant located at 64 W. 10th St., in the West Village in the last two weeks may have contracted Hepatitis A from an infected food handler, the city Health Department warned Friday evening.
Health officials urge anyone who ate dessert at the top-rated Mediterranean bistro between March 23 and April 2 to get a Hepatitis A vaccination just in case.
The restaurant's manager, said that a pastry chef had contracted the virus while traveling in Mexico. He said that she realized she was ill on Monday, but now is feeling better.
The infected employee is no longer on premises.
The restaurant's owner, estimated that as many as 450 patrons may have eaten dessert over the course of the two weeks.
Hepatitis A is spread when fecal matter is inadvertently eaten, the Health Department said. The disease, which targets the liver, can cause jaundice, fatigue, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea, health officials said. Most people who contract the virus recover completely, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Officials encourage diners who think they may have been infected to call 311
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