February 23, 2017 — The state of Hawaii is urging 90,000 residents to get their 2nd dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine after a deadly outbreak last year was traced to scallops at Genki Sushi.
At least 292 people were infected with Hepatitis A after eating at Genki Sushi restaurants on Oahu and Kauai from June to October 2016. Two of those victims died. Others were hospitalized with liver damage.
Everyone who got vaccinated against Hepatitis A will need to get a follow-up shot soon. The vaccines must be given 6 months apart. Visit the Vaccine Locator to find a pharmacy or clinic in Hawaii. Call ahead to check vaccine availability. Hawaii state epidemiologist Sarah Park issued this vaccine reminder:
“While one dose of Hepatitis A vaccine provides good protection, two doses are necessary for nearly 100 percent protection and lasting immunity.”
There is a class action lawsuit for everyone who needed a vaccine or a shot of Immune Globulin (IG) to prevent infection with Hepatitis A. Another class action has been filed by 80 people who were infected. The first lawsuit was filed by a man from Oahu who was hospitalized for 7 days due to liver inflammation.
Another victim recently described his ordeal to Hawaii News Now: “I always ordered the scallops. I looked in the mirror and, what the heck. My eyes were yellow. I turned on the bright light and my skin was yellow.”
Although Genki Sushi is not accused of intentionally serving contaminated scallops, lawyers say the company and its suppliers are still responsible for helping people who were infected or exposed. The scallops were supplied to Genki Sushi by Koha Oriental Foods and Sea Port Products Corp.
Do I have a Hepatitis A Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Genki Sushi induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know needed a vaccine or was diagnosed with Hepatitis A, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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