United States: Health authorities in Colorado have raised an alert regarding possible exposure to hepatitis A at a Boulder-based Mexican restaurant. Boulder County Public Health has identified contamination in freshly prepared juices used in select beverages at Rio Grande, with incidents reported on two specific days around the New Year period.
The Rio Grande restaurant in question is situated on the 1100 block of Walnut Street in Boulder, according to ABC News.
Patrons who consumed any of the following drinks on December 30 or January 5 should heed critical health advisories:
Affected Beverages
– Fresh-squeezed orange juice (plain)
– Mimosa featuring fresh orange juice
– Michelada crafted with fresh lime juice
– Mimosarita blended with fresh orange juice
– Big Tex margarita, made with fresh lemon and lime juice
– Barrel-Aged Big Tex margarita with fresh lemon and lime juice
– Special Reserve Coin margarita with fresh lime juice
– Silver Coin margarita with fresh lime juice
– Fresh jalapeño margarita with fresh lime juice
– Skinny margarita with fresh lime juice
– Kendall’s skinny margarita with fresh lime juice
– Agave martini infused with fresh lemon and lime juice
– Mezcal margarita with lemon and lime juice
Advisory for Affected Individuals
Individuals who consumed the specified beverages on December 30 are urged to monitor themselves for symptoms of hepatitis A over the next month. According to Boulder County Public Health, the window for a preventive vaccination has elapsed due to the passage of time since exposure, as reported by ABC News.
For those who partook of these beverages on January 5 and are not up to date on their hepatitis A vaccinations, immediate action is advised. Such individuals should receive the vaccine by January 19 to mitigate potential risks.
About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe it as a condition typically characterized by mild symptoms and a short duration. Transmission occurs through close personal contact or ingestion of food and drinks contaminated with the virus.
Investigations point to a staff member at the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant as the origin of the contamination, as reported by ABC News.
Free Vaccination Clinics
To assist those potentially affected on January 5, Boulder County Public Health is offering free hepatitis A vaccinations to unvaccinated individuals. Vaccines will be administered at the Sundquist Building, 3482 Broadway, during the following times:
– Wednesday, January 15: 9 am–7 pm
– Thursday, January 16: 3–7 pm.
– Friday, January 17: 3–7 pm.
Additional Information:
– Other local health agencies may also provide vaccinations related to this incident.
– Individuals with private health insurance are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers for vaccination services.
– University of Colorado students can access care at Wardenburg Health Center.
– Residents can verify their vaccination status online at [copublicportal.state.co.us](http://copublicportal.state.co.us).
For further details, contact the Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public at 1-877-462-2911 or 303-398-1687.