Health Law

Illinois Health Department Closes Milan Illinois McDonald's Due to Hepatitis A - Immune Globulin (IG) Shot to be Given to Customers

By Marler Clark

Deirdre Cox Baker (Ms. Hepatitis of the Quad-Cities) reports this evening that the Rock Island County Health Department is investigating a connection between a Hepatitis A outbreak and a McDonald's restaurant in Milan, Illinois.

In fact, the Health Department has ordered the McDonalds closed. There are 19 confirmed cases - 11 requiring hospitalization - of the disease in Western Illinois. The 19 include 13 people in Rock Island County, three in Mercer County and one each in Henry, Warren and Woodford counties. The Milan McDonald's, 400 W. 1st St., also U.S. 67, remains closed. There was extensive activity inside the restaurant, where people could be seen cleaning. Signs posted on the doors and drive-through area read: "Sorry for any inconvenience, but we are closed until further notice."

Customers should get an immune globulin (IG) shot. An IG shot can provide temporary immunity to the virus for 2 to 3 months when given prior to exposure to HAV or within 2 weeks after exposure.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on July 18, 2009 (boomark / email).