According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), customers and staff at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks in Hilton Head Island may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus. An employee who worked at the restaurant on the evening of February 15, 2014 has tested positive for the virus. That employee is being treated and has not returned to work.
The restaurant is working with DHEC to identify customers and staff who may have been exposed to the virus. This is not a food-borne outbreak. Customers and staff who should receive a hepatitis A vaccination visited the restaurant between 4:00 pm and closing on that day. If you did, you have until March 1, 2014 to get a hepatitis A or immunoglobulin vaccination to avoid getting sick. The vaccination must be administered within 14 days of possible exposure to be effective. If you have already had this disease or have received the vaccination, you are protected, but it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor.
Anita Brock, Director of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control said, “hepatitis A is a liver disease that is caused by a virus. People usually become sick within 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus, so it is important to contact your doctor to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent the virus from developing into Hepatitis A infection.
If you have a question or concern about this issue, you can call DHEC at 1-800-868-0404. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
