Employees at the Denny’s restaurant located at 2051 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, Florida have been diagnosed with hepatitis A, and may have worked while infectious, according to the Osceola County Health Department. Two people who worked there from October 14, 2019 though November 1, 2019 have been diagnosed with the viral illness.
Anyone who ate or drank at this restaurant between October 24 and November 1, 2019 should get a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccination. These vaccines are effective if given within two weeks of exposure. Anyone who ate food or drank beverages at that store between October 14 and October 23, 2019 should watch their health for the symptoms of hepatitis A; it’s too late for a vaccination.
Those symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, fever, diarrhea, and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible. If you have been vaccinated against this illness or have had a hepatitis A infection in the past, you should be immune; check with your doctor to make sure.
The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County at 1875 Fortune Road in Kissimmee is offering the hepatitis A vaccine at low or no cost to residents from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm weekdays. If you don’t live in Osceola County, contact your county health department for more information. The vaccine is also available at most doctor’s offices.
While the vaccine is the best method of preventing the spread of this virus, there are other things you can do. Stay home from school or work if you are sick. Wash your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or taking care of someone who is sick. And wash your hands thoroughly before preparing, serving, or eating food. Alcohol-based sanitizers do not kill the hepatitis A virus.
