An employee of a Subway restaurant in Morrilton, Arkansas has tested positive for the hepatitis A virus, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). That restaurant is at 1812 AR-9 Bus, off the I-40 Exit 108. Anyone who ate there between March 25, 2015 and April 5, 2015 may have been exposed to the virus.
Hepatitis A and immune globulin vaccinations are only effective if given within 2 weeks of exposure. If you ate there on March 31, 2015 or before, you can no longer get a vaccination. Monitor yourself for the symptoms of hepatitis A, which include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), clay-cloned bowel movements, and joint pain. There are no specific treatments for this illness, but, especially if you are pregnant or have a chronic illness, see your doctor if you get sick.
If you ate there on April 1 through April 5, 2015, you can be vaccinated. The Conway County Health Unit at 100 Hospital Drive in Morrilton will have both vaccinations available with an appointment on or after Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Call 501-354-4652 for an appointment. It is crucial that you get a vaccination today if you ate at the Subway on April 1, 2015.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range from a mild illness to a severe illness lasting several months. A person is contagious 2 weeks before and 1 week after symptoms appear. The virus is spread through contact and by ingesting fecal matter from an infected person.
No other hepatitis A illnesses have been reported to ADH at this time. Most people develop symptoms 3 to 4 weeks after exposure. Some people may have no symptoms. Almost all people recover with no damage, but they may bee sick for months.
