On August 16, 2016, Hawaii Department of Health officials identified uncooked scallops served at Genki Sushi restaurants as the source of the outbreak. The product of concern is Sea Port Bay Scallops (Wild Harvest, Raw Frozen) that originated in the Philippines (states “Product of the Philippines” on the box), distributed by Koha Oriental Foods. As a result, this product has been embargoed throughout the State of Hawaii.
All Genki Sushi restaurants on Oahu and Kauai were closed temporarily and reopened on Sept. 10, 2016 after the state Dept. of Health stated that the sushi chain were in compliance of health regulations.
According to the HDOH, as of Sept. 21, there are 276 confirmed cases of hepatitis A in the current outbreak.
Since the last update, the health department has identified 5 new cases of hepatitis A. All cases have been in adults, 68 have required hospitalization.
The onset of illness for the cases have ranged between 6/12/2016 and 9/15/2016.
Findings of the investigation suggest that the source of the outbreak is focused on Oahu. Ten individuals are residents of the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui, and four visitors have returned to the mainland.
Employees of the following food service businesses (one at each) have been diagnosed with hepatitis A. This list does not indicate these businesses are sources of this outbreak; at this time, no infections have been linked to exposure to these businesses. The likelihood that patrons of these businesses will become infected is very low. However, persons who have consumed food or drink products from these businesses during the identified dates of service should contact their healthcare provider for advice and possible preventive care.
Business
Island
Location
Dates of Service
Chart House
Oahu
Waikiki (1765 Ala Moana Boulevard)
September 1–4 and 8–11
Harbor Restaurant
Oahu
Honolulu (1133 North Nimitz Highway)
August 26 through September 12
Hawaiian Airlines
Flight list (click here)
July 1-26, 2016
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Oahu
801 Kaheka Street
July 21-23 and 26-30, and Aug. 2-6 and 9-11, 2016
New Lin Fong
Oahu
Chinatown (1132 Maunakea St.)
July 20, 22-23, 25, 27, 29-30, and Aug. 1, 3, and 5-6, 2016
Sam’s Club (Ohana Seafood)
Oahu
Pearl City (1000 Kamehameha Highway)
August 29 through September 11
Zippy’s Restaurant
Oahu
Kapolei (950 Kamokila Boulevard)
August 14, 18–19, 21, 23, and 25–26
The following restaurants were previously on the list, but since it has been 50 days or longer since their employee was diagnosed with no subsequent linked cases, they are no longer considered places of interest.
Business
Island
Location
Dates of Service
Baskin-Robbins
Oahu
Waikele Center
June 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 30, and July 1 and 3, 2016
Chili’s
Oahu
Kapolei (590 Farrington Highway)
July 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27, 2016
Costco Bakery
Oahu
Hawaii Kai
June 16-20, 2016
Papa John’s
Oahu
Waipahu (94-1021 Waipahu St.)
July 23 and 24, and Aug. 2, 2016
Sushi Shiono
Hawaii
Waikoloa Beach Resort, Queen’s MarketPlace (69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive)
July 5-8, 11-15, and 18-21, 2016
Taco Bell
Oahu
Waipio (94-790 Ukee Street)
June 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, and July 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 11, 2016
Tamashiro Market
Oahu
Kalihi (802 N. King Street)
July 2, 4, 6–8, 11–13, 15–19, and 23, 2016
View the latest updates from the DOH online here.
Officials say identifying the source of infection was challenge due to the long incubation period of the disease — anywhere from 15 to 52 days. This makes it difficult for patients to accurately recall the foods consumed and locations visited during the period when infection could have taken place.
The health department says that if you are unvaccinated and are exposed to the disease, you should talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of receiving hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin. Doing so may provide some protection against the disease if administered within the first two weeks after exposure.
Click here for more information on how to get the hepatitis A vaccine.
Healthcare providers have been informed and are asked to notify HDOH immediately if they have a patient they suspect may be infected.
Health officials recommend that you:
Get vaccinated
Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper
Washing hands before preparing food
Appropriately cooking and preparing foods
The hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses given at least six months apart. For a list of vaccinating pharmacies, click here (PDF) or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.