Genki Sushi restaurants were temporarily closed in Hawaii after scallops were linked to an outbreak of Hepatitis A. At least 292 people have been infected since mid-April 2016.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Genki Sushi induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been 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.
UPDATE: 90,000 Due For Hepatitis A Booster Shots
In February 2017, health officials in Hawaii reminded around 90,000 residents who got vaccinated against Hepatitis A that they will need a booster shot 6 months later. One dose of the hepatitis A vaccine is good protection, but a 2nd shot is needed for full protection. Click here to read more.
What Should I Do?
To locate a vaccinating pharmacy or clinic near you in Hawaii, view the Vaccine Locator or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1. For more information, visit the Hawaii Health Department’s “Hepatitis A Outbreak 2016” website.
Genki Sushi Class Action Filed in Hawaii
A law firm in Honolulu has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of everyone who ate or drank at Genki Sushi since April and required a Hep A vaccine or immune globulin (IG) shot. There is another class action lawsuit involving around 80 people who were actually infected with Hepatitis A, in addition to several individual lawsuits These cases are being coordinated informally by lawyers in Hawaii and Seattle. Click here to read more.
RECALL: Scallops Test Positive for Hepatitis A
Scallops imported from the Philippines have tested positive for hepatitis A. The FDA announced a recall for “Sea Port Bay Scallops,” which were sold at restaurants in California, Hawaii, and Nevada. Click here to read more.
1st Lawsuit Filed in Hawaii
On August 18, the 1st lawsuit (PDF) was filed by a man from Oahu who was infected with hepatitis A after eating at Genki Sushi. He was hospitalized for 7 days. Click here to read more.
Hepatitis A Outbreak Began in April
The Hawaii State Department of Health began investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A on July 1. The first victims were diagnosed in mid-June, suggesting they ate contaminated food in mid-April.
Genki Sushi Scallops Linked to Hepatitis A Outbreak
On August 15, health officials said the “likely source” of the outbreak was frozen scallops served raw at Genki Sushi restaurants. All of the restaurants were immediately shut down for disinfection. There are 10 restaurants on Oahu and one on Kauai.
Scallops Embargoed and Destroyed
Health officials also embargoed and destroyed all frozen scallops that were imported and distributed to Genki Sushi by Koha Oriental Foods and True World Foods, according to HawaiiNewsNow.com.
How Many People Were Infected?
As of September 29, there have been 284 confirmed cases of hepatitis A, including 71 victims who had to be hospitalized. Nearly all of the victims were residents of Oahu, and all were adults. The first illnesses was reported on June 12, which means the victims could have been infected as early as April 2016.
Recommendation for Consumers
Anyone who ate at Genki Sushi since mid-April may have been exposed to hepatitis A — especially if they ate scallops. If you were exposed, consider getting the hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin. You should also monitor your health for 50 days after you ate at Genki Sushi and contact a doctor if symptoms appear.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver. It spreads in fecal matter and causes outbreaks when food or water is contaminated.
Symptoms of Infection
Hepatitis A can take 2-6 weeks to cause symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can last for months and be very debilitating. These symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Long-Term Outlook and Prognosis
Most people recover completely within a few weeks or months without long-term consequences. In rare cases, infection can cause permanent liver damage, liver failure, or even death. These complications are more likely in people who with pre-existing liver problems.
Do I have a Genki Sushi Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Genki Sushi induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been 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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