Eatery Staff Tests Positive For Hepatitis A In Asbury Park, Patrons Told To Get Vaccine

ASBURY PARK, NJ — A worker at an eatery in Asbury Park has tested positive for Hepatitis A and all patrons have been asked to get vaccinated, the Monmouth County Health Department said.

MCHD staff visited Cardinal Provisions located at 513 Bangs Avenue in Asbury Park, after they were notified by a healthcare provider that a staff member employed tested positive for Hepatitis A.

At the eatery, MCHD staff found no evidence of food safety violations. However, the facility has voluntarily closed its operation and did not reopen until all exposed employees were vaccinated, health officials said.

An investigation found that the employee worked while infectious on Sept. 7-10, 12, 14, 17, 19, and 21.

Health officials are now asking anyone who consumed food or drinks at Cardinal Provisions during these dates to consider getting a vaccine within two weeks from the last date of exposure.

While it is uncommon for restaurant patrons to become infected with Hepatitis A due to an infected food handler, an infection can be caught through direct contact with the infected person or by consuming contaminated food and drink.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can cause loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach pain, brown-colored urine, and light-colored stools. Yellowing of the skin or eyes may occur. People can become ill up to seven weeks after being exposed to the virus.

For more information, contact the Monmouth County Health Department at 732-431-7456 or go to www.visitmonmouth.com.

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