logoClackamas County Public Health officials are investigating an incident of potential exposure to Hepatitis A at a Sandy movie theater.

People who attended the Sandy Cinema, at 16605 Champion Way in Sandy, and ate or drank from the concession stand during certain days and hours earlier this month may have been exposed.

The specific days and hours in question are:

  • Feb. 12: 11 a.m. to closing
  • Feb. 13: 6 p.m. to closing
  • Feb. 14: 2 p.m. to closing
  • Feb. 15: 1:30 p.m. to closing

Clackamas County Public Health is advising people who may have been exposed to check their immunization status, and if they have not been immunized against Hepatitis A, to obtain medication that can decrease their chances of becoming ill. These are effective for up to two weeks after exposure.

The medication should not be given if more than two weeks have passed.

  • Those individuals aged 1 to 40, who have not previously received the Hepatitis A vaccine, are recommended to get a single dose of the vaccine. Twinrix (which is a combination Hepatitis A and B vaccine) is not appropriate for this purpose.
  • For those individuals less than 12 months old or over 40, vaccine is not approved. They are recommended to receive immune globulin shots.

Clackamas County Public Health also has established a call-in line to provide information. The call-in number is 503-742-5320. The call center will be active through 7 p.m. tonight and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Clackamas County is updating inventories in the region to assure there is adequate supply. For questions about where to find vaccine please contact the call center.

Medications will also be made available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 23 through Feb. 25 at Legacy Medical Group Firwood, 36860 Industrial Way, Sandy, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The Hepatitis A case was first reported to Clackamas County Public Health late on February 17.

Public Health officials said theater owners have been fully cooperative and stressed that the risk to the public is extremely low and there is no continued risk to the public.

“This recommendation for treatment doesn’t apply to people who ate at Sandy Cinema on other days,” said Dr. Sarah Present, Clackamas County Public Health Officer. ”We know the likelihood of infection is low but we are recommending vaccinations for exposed persons because the risk is not zero and there are effective medications that can further decrease the risk of illness.”

Hepatitis A is a viral disease of the liver that is contagious. It is spread from person to person, often by inadequate handwashing after using the toilet or changing diapers, or eating food prepared by an infected person.

Typical symptoms include fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes). Some infections may be mild but it can develop into severe liver disease. Symptoms usually develop 3-4 weeks after exposure but it may be up to 50 days.

For more information, go to the Clackamas County Public Health Division web page at: www.clackamas.us/publichealth/