Employees at two restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky have been diagnosed with hepatitis A, a very contagious virus that affects the liver. Those employees worked with food at the Domino’s Pizza at 10000 Brownsboro Road, and at Old Chicago Pizza and Tap Room at 9013 Taylorsville Road.
Anyone who ate at that Domino’s from April 15 to April 28, 2018, and anyone who ate at that Old Chicago restaurant from April 21 to May 5, 2018 may have been exposed to the pathogenic virus. But since the hepatitis A and immune globulin vaccinations are only effective if given within two weeks of exposure, it’s too late for a shot for anyone who ate at those locations before May 1, 2018. All those people can do is watch themselves for the symptoms of hepatitis A and visit their doctor if they do manifest.
Those symptoms include fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pains, dark urine, clay colored stools, and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes. These symptoms usually appear within 15 to 50 days after exposure.
Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness said in a statement, “While we have had a very small number of food workers diagnosed with hepatitis A in our community, there still has been NO foodborne transmission,” said Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director. “Also, our restaurant industry has really stepped up to the plate to get their workers immunized. About 5,000 local food service employees have been vaccinated against hepatitis A.”
She continued, “Washing your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap, especially before preparing meals or eating, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper is a proven way to prevent the spread of diseases. Hand sanitizer is not as effective as hand washing against hepatitis A.”
Any customers with questions can call 211 for more information about hepatitis A. Or you can visit the government’s web page on that topic.
