The New Jersey Department of Health is working with the Mendham Township Health Department and the Mendham Golf and Tennis Club (MGTC) in response to a hepatitis A outbreak related to a food handler at the club. MGTC is a members only club.
Hepatitis A is an immediately reportable condition to the Department and the local health department; through this mechanism this case was identified. The Department of Health is supporting the Mendham Township Health Department—which began immediately investigating. The food handler was excluded from work and a review of other food handlers for vaccination and proof of immunity was conducted. Close contacts of the food handler were identified and given prophylaxis (vaccine or medication to prevent illness after exposure). MGTC first notified their membership on July 5, 2019 of the potential risk to those who dined at the club. This same notification advised members to inform any guests who may have joined them to dine at the club. This notification also advised that those who dined at the club when the food-handler was potentially infectious should receive post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccine or medication to prevent illness after exposure). if you dined at the country club between June 9 and June 30, 2019 and have symptoms or concerns, you should contact your health care provider.
Hepatitis A is mainly spread via close person to person contact or via contaminated food. While individuals with hepatitis A may be quite ill, the risk of transmission is to those who had close contact to the case and patrons of the club who consumed food prepared by the ill worker.
There are 23 confirmed cases including one individual who is seriously ill.