doh-largeThe Health Department is eying poke as one of dozens of possible culprits, but health officials stressed the investigation remains preliminary.

AP reports that the state Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A on Oahu.

The department said Friday there are at least 12 cases of hepatitis A infection in adults. Six of them have required hospitalization.

Onsets of the illnesses range from June 16 through June 27.

Health officials say the virus can be spread by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, close personal contact or sex. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler says it’s a vaccine-preventable disease. She says that while it’s a routine childhood vaccination, many adults haven’t been vaccinated and remain susceptible.

The vaccine is readily available at local pharmacies.

Hepatitis A:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Costco, Subway, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Quiznos and Carl’s Jr.  We proudly represented the family of Donald Rockwell, who died after consuming hepatitis A tainted food and Richard Miller, wo required a liver transplant after eating food at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.