By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

INDEPENDENCE TWP — If you attended a recent concert at Pine Knob Music Theatre and visited the Ivy Lounge at some point, there is a chance you were exposed to hepatitis.
Last Friday, the Oakland County Health Division reported a suspected case of hepatitis A associated with the Ivy Lounge. The Health Division advises all season members, their guests and staff who consumed food at the lounge between Aug. 26 and Sept. 8 to monitor for symptoms, and if unvaccinated for hepatitis A, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“The risk of transmission in this specific situation is low,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County medical director. “If you have not been vaccinated, get vaccinated. The vaccine can prevent the disease if given within 14 days after exposure.”
Unvaccinated people who were possibly exposed to hepatitis A from Sept. 1-8 at the Ivy Lounge are encouraged to receive the vaccine by the 14-day deadline, according to the communication.
Exposure dates include Aug. 26 (Lynyrd Skynyrd concert), Aug. 29 (Arctic Monkeys concert), Aug. 30 (Foreigner concert), Sept. 1 (Disturbed concert), Sept. 2 (Beck and Phoenix concert), Sept. 3 (Pentatonix concert), Sept. 5 (Rob Zombie concert), Sept. 6 (Smashing Pumpkins concert), and Sept. 8 (Jason Aldean concert).
For Lynyrd Skynyrd, Arctic Monkeys, and Foreigner, health officials say to monitor for symptoms. Recommended dates to get vaccinated by for Disturbed (Sept. 15), Beck and Phoenix (Sept. 16), Pentatonix (Sept. 17), Rob Zombie (Sept. 19), Smashing Pumpkins (Sept. 20), and Jason Aldean (Sept. 22) were also in the announcement.
All individuals potentially exposed should watch for hepatitis A symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you become ill.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. The virus is most commonly spread from person to person by contaminated hands. Symptoms include sudden abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dark urine, and vomiting followed by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Symptoms may appear from 2-6 weeks after exposure. In rare cases, those with a pre-existing severe illness or compromised immune system can progress to liver failure.
To reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis A:
Wash hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food. Rub hands vigorously with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds. Handwashing is essential and one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection.
Clean and disinfect all surface areas if someone in the household or workplace has symptoms, especially areas such as toilets, sinks, trashcans, doorknobs, and faucet handles.
Do not prepare food if you have symptoms and refrain from food preparation for at least three days after symptoms have ended, or two weeks after onset of clinical symptoms, whichever is longer.

PHOTO: The front of the Ivy Lounge at Pine Knob. File photo: Matt Mackinder