NYC Health Department Warns Patrons of a Manhattan Restaurant of Possible Exposure to Hepatitis A

Anyone Who Ate Food From ilili Restaurant During January 31 – February 9, 2025 Should Get Hepatitis A Vaccine as a Precautionary Measure

February 14, 2025 — The New York City Health Department was recently notified about a case of hepatitis A in a food handler at ilili Restaurant (236 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10001). No additional cases of illness have been identified to date.

As a precautionary measure, the NYC Health Department is urging patrons who dined at, or ordered take out from, ilili Restaurant between January 31 and February 9 to get a hepatitis A vaccination, if not previously vaccinated. In addition, all patrons who ate food from the restaurant between January 17 to February 9 should monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A for seven weeks following their meal.

"We are urging these restaurant patrons to consult with their providers and get the hepatitis A vaccine as a precautionary measure," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “If people experience symptoms like yellowing of eyes and skin, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, they should see a doctor immediately, especially if you have not had two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine. This incident serves as an important reminder to stay up to date with current vaccination recommendations, and to always wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease."

Hepatitis A can be spread by eating food that was touched by a person with the disease. People should get the vaccine within 14 days of exposure (the date they ate food from the restaurant) for the vaccine to be most effective at protecting against hepatitis A. The earlier the vaccine is given, the more effective it is in preventing the disease. In some cases, a dose of immune globulin (antibodies) is also needed, depending on the person’s age and health. People who ate food from the restaurant and have previously received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine or have already had hepatitis A infection, do not need another dose of the vaccine. People who were exposed but only received one dose in the past should get a second dose.

Hepatitis A is an extremely contagious liver disease that can spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with traces of fecal matter from an infected person. There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat a person once the symptoms appear. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. People at risk for severe hepatitis A infection include those experiencing chronic liver disease, people with a weakened immune system, and people who are pregnant. Hepatitis A is very rarely fatal (fewer than 1% of cases).

The NYC Health Department recommends people connect with their health care provider on whether they offer vaccination. Some locations that offer hepatitis A vaccination can be found on the NYC Health Map.

In addition, anyone who does not have a health care provider can contact NYC Health + Hospitals or 844-NYC-4NYC. Low to no cost care is available regardless of insurance status or immigration status.

Health care providers can find information about hepatitis A vaccine and immune globulin. If providers have questions, they can contact the NYC Health Department.

For more information on hepatitis A, please see the Health Department's website at Hepatitis A - NYC Health. Restaurant patrons who have questions about possible exposure can call 311 for more information.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Chantal Gomez: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov