Hundreds Wait in Line for Hepatitis A Treatment

By Lisa Smith Daily Herald Staff Writer

Aurora resident Sarah Woodward took her mom, Glenda Carlson, to Houlihan’s restaurant in Geneva two weeks ago to celebrate her birthday.

On Monday, the two recalled their visit as they waited alongside about 50 Houlihan’s patrons at the Kane County Health Department in Aurora for shots to treat hepatitis A after a worker at the restaurant was diagnosed with the disease.

“It makes you think, ‘Do I really want to go out to eat again?’ ” said Carlson, of Oswego.

People already were queued up when the health department opened its doors at 7:30 a.m. Monday, the first day the free treatment was offered, and lines were long throughout the day as many waited for an hour to receive the immunoglobulin injections. A total of 630 patrons were treated by 3 p.m., health department spokesman Tom Schlueter said.

Immunoglobulin is not a vaccine but can help reduce the effects of a possible infection.

“This is the best protection we can offer people against hepatitis A,” said registered nurse Mary Tebeau, the health department’s community health programs manager.

The clinics will continue from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays until Feb. 2. at two health department locations in Aurora: 1240 and 1330 N. Highland Ave.

Those who may have been exposed, especially those who had drinks with ice, should call a health department hotline at (630) 444-3300 for information.

An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people are believed to have eaten at the restaurant, located at 1332 Commons Drive, between Jan. 8 and 6 p.m. Friday, when the health department confirmed the hepatitis case. Health department officials urge anyone who dined at the restaurant during that two-week period to seek treatment.

The disease is spread by eating food or drinks contaminated by an infected person.

Maple Park electrician Bill Cieslicki, who eats at Houlihan’s several times a week when he’s working in the Tri-Cities, waited alongside his wife, brother and brother’s girlfriend to receive the immunoglobulin shot. He said he hopes publicity about the disease doesn’t negatively impact the restaurant’s business.

“I don’t want this place closing down,” said Cieslicki, who was forced to cancel several jobs Monday to get the shot.

The restaurant, which is owned by the Leawood, Kan.-based company, remains open and the health department has said there is no current risk of transmission.

Hepatitis A can cause liver damage. Symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, dark- colored urine, light-colored bowel movements and jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

lsmith@@dailyherald.com

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