Harwich Port, Mass., May 27, 2025 – Outer Cape Health Services is encouraging residents and visitors to be aware of Hepatitis A symptoms and prevention strategies following a confirmed case linked to a food service employee in Provincetown.
The Provincetown Health Department, in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, announced the case just prior to Memorial Day weekend. An individual who worked at The Red Inn was diagnosed with Hepatitis A, a contagious liver infection typically transmitted through close personal contact or consumption of contaminated food or beverages. Those who dined at The Red Inn in Provincetown between April 30 and May 15, 2025, may have been exposed and are urged to contact a healthcare provider.
Hepatitis A symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with some individuals experiencing dark urine or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to seven weeks after exposure. The illness is usually mild and self-limiting, however can be of concern in those with pre-existing medical conditions.
“Vaccination remains the most eXective defense against Hepatitis A, along with practicing good hand hygiene,” said Dr. Marie Constant, Chief Medical OXicer at Outer Cape Health Services. “We urge anyone who may have been exposed or who is unsure of their vaccination status to contact their healthcare provider.”
If you may have been exposed to Hepatitis A and haven’t been vaccinated, getting a shot within 14 days can help prevent illness from developing. The timeframe is important as the vaccine can still oXer protection following exposure. Anyone who had close contact with the confirmed case should contact Outer Cape Health Services as soon as possible to schedule a vaccination appointment.
OCHS health centers in Provincetown, Wellfleet, and Harwich Port are prepared to provide vaccinations and consultations. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact OCHS at (508) 905-2888 or visit www.outercape.org for more information.
More information about Hepatitis A is available on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-a.
About Outer Cape Health Services:
Outer Cape Health Services is a community health center organization with locations in Harwich Port, Provincetown, and Wellfleet. Our mission is to provide a full range of primary health care and supportive social services that promote the health and well-being of all who live in or visit the ten outermost towns of Cape Cod. OCHS cares for more than 20,000 patients annually, and no one is denied access to services due to an inability to pay. Founded in 1987 through the merger of Health Associates of Provincetown and the AIM Medical Center in Wellfleet, Outer Cape Health has a long history of successful growth and expansion in pursuit of this mission. Outer Cape Health Services, Inc. (OCHS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors representative of its community. All board members live on Cape Cod, and the majority are OCHS patients.
For additional information about Outer Cape Health Services, click here.