Suspected Hepatitis A case reported at Pine Knob's Ivy Lounge; officials urge vaccination

The Oakland County Health Division reported Friday night a suspected case of Hepatitis A associated with the Ivy Lounge at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston.

The health division advises all those who consumed food at the Ivy Lounge between Aug. 26 – Sept. 8 to monitor for symptoms, and if unvaccinated for hepatitis A, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The lounge is available to Pine Knob's season membership holders and their guests.

“The risk of transmission in this specific situation is low,” Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County medical director, said in a Friday press release. “If you have not been vaccinated, get vaccinated. The vaccine can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after exposure.”

Here is list of concerts, the concert dates and the action recommended by the county heath division for the coming week:

• Aug. 26 (Lynyrd Skynyrd concert) Monitor for symptoms.
• Aug. 29 (Arctic Monkeys concert) Monitor for symptoms.
• Aug. 30 (Foreigner concert) Monitor for symptoms.
• Sept. 1 (Disturbed concert) Monitor for symptoms.
• Sept. 2 (Beck and Phoenix concert) Get vaccinated by Saturday, Sept. 16.
• Sept. 3 (Pentatonix concert) Get vaccinated by Sunday, Sept. 17.
• Sept. 5 (Rob Zombie concert) Get vaccinated by Tuesday, Sept. 19.
• Sept. 6 (Smashing Pumpkins concert) Get vaccinated by Wednesday, Sept. 20.
• Sept. 8 (Jason Aldean concert) Get vaccinated by Friday, Sept. 22.

The Health Division is hosting two special hepatitis A vaccine clinics from 10 a.m. – noon Saturday and Sunday at the North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Building 34E in Pontiac. No registration is needed.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. The virus is shed in feces and is most commonly spread from person to person by contaminated hands. Symptoms include sudden abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and vomiting followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes, according to the health department.

Symptoms may appear from two to six weeks after exposure, with the average time being about one month. In rare cases of hepatitis A infection, those with a pre-existing severe illness or a compromised immune system can progress to liver failure.

More information about hepatitis A can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com.

laguilar@detroitnews.com