Scallops sold at Genki Sushi restaurants in Hawaii have been linked to an outbreak of hepatitis A that has sickened at least 292 people since April 2016, according to health officials.
Need a Texas Genki Sushi Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Hepatitis A, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: 90,000 Due for Hepatitis A Vaccine Booster Shot
In February 2017, health officials in Hawaii issued a reminder to around 90,000 people who need a 2nd shot of the Hepatitis A vaccine. Although one dose of the hepatitis A vaccine provides good protection, a second dose is necessary to provide full protection. The second dose must be received at least six months after the first dose. Click here to read more.
Genki Sushi Class Action Lawsuit
Lawyers in Honolulu have filed a class action against Genki Sushi. They are seeking anyone who ate or drank at Genki Sushi since April and required a Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG) shot. There is also a class action for around 80 people who were actually infected by Hepatitis A.
1st Genki Sushi Lawsuit
In August 2016, the first 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
On July 1, 2016, the Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) began investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A. The illnesses developed in mid-June, suggesting the outbreak started in mid-April.
On August 15, the health department closed all Genki Sushi restaurants in Hawaii. There are 10 restaurants on Oahu and one on Kauai. Health officials also embargoed frozen scallops imported by Koha Oriental Foods and True World Foods that were supplied to Genki Sushi.
RECALL: Scallops Test Positive for Hepatitis A
In August 2016, raw frozen scallops that were imported to Hawaii from the Philippines 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. The product of concern is Sea Port Bay Scallops (Wild Harvest, Raw Frozen) that originated in the Philippines (states “Product of the Philippines” on the box), distributed by Koha Oriental Foods and True World Foods. Click here to read more.
How Many People Were Infected?
As of January 11, 2017, there have been 292 confirmed cases of hepatitis A in Hawaii dating back to June 12, 2016. All but 18 victims are residents of Oahu. All of the victims were adults, and 74 victims were hospitalized for treatment. The incubation period for Hepatitis A is between 15 and 50 days.
What Should I Do?
Anyone who ate at Genki Sushi — especially scallops — should consider receiving the hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin. They should monitor their health for at least 50 days after exposure and seek medical attention if symptoms appear. For more information, visit the Hawaii Health Department’s “Hepatitis A Outbreak 2016” website.
To locate a vaccinating pharmacy or clinic near you, view the Vaccine Locator or call the Aloha United Way information and referral line at 2-1-1.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a contagious viral disease that causes liver inflammation. It spreads when people ingest fecal matter in food or person-to-person contact. Even microscopic amounts can cause sickness that lasts for months.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Not everyone has symptoms right away. It can take 2-6 weeks before symptoms appear. 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)
Complications & Long-Term Prognosis
Most people recover from hepatitis A without any long-term complications, but some people must be hospitalized. In rare cases, infections cause liver failure and death. This is more common in older people, especially those with pre-existing liver problems.
Genki Sushi Class Action
The Clark Firm, LLP is nationally recognized as a class action law firm, but we are not filing a class action lawsuit against Genki Sushi. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits for people who were diagnosed with hepatitis A.
Need a Genki Sushi Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Genki Sushi lawyers for a free lawsuit review.