Manchester hepatitis outbreak hits staff at two separate restaurants
Staff at two Manchester restaurants have become infected with hepatitis after the virus was discovered by three staff members at Dukes 92 and Albert’s Shed in the Castlefield area.
Public Health England is offering immunisation to those who have had close contact with the people affected, despite claiming the risk to the public was “very low”. The health body also claimed it was not aware of any infected customers.
Elle R Leisure, the parent firm of both restaurants has claimed the cause of the virus is “unclear” and said that that the restaurants remained open.
Lucy McCarthy, operations director of Elle R Leisure, said: “Public Health England have inspected our premises and are completely satisfied with the site and our procedures. We’re doing everything we can to help them and the members of the team who have been affected.”
Dr Caroline Rumble, of Public Health England North West’s health protection team, said: “As a precaution we are offering immunisation to those we have identified as having had close contact with the cases to prevent the spread of infection.”
Hepatitis is a virus which affects the liver and can cause symptoms including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fevers and tiredness. Despite its unpleasantness, hepatitis is not usually serious and most people become immune after contracting the virus.
