A food handler at Zaxby’s restaurant at 5971 Ogeechee Road in Savannah, Georgia has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to the Coastal Health District of Georgia. Anyone who ate food or drank beverages at that facility from March 29, 2019 through April 3, 2019 is at risk for developing the illness.
While it is rare for restaurant patrons to get sick when a food handler is sick, it does happen. This virus is very contagious.
This exposure period is within the two week period when a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccination is effective. Anyone who ate there on March 29, 2019 has to get a vaccine today or they will not be protected. Most pharmacies offer these vaccinations, or contact your health care provider to get one.
The symptoms of hepatitis A include loss of appetite, tiredness, fever, stomach and abdominal pain, weight loss, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, clay-colored stools, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). These symptoms begin 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus. Unfortunately, during that early 15 day period, a person is infectious without even knowing they have this infection.
Vaccinations are the best way to prevent the spread of this virus. Anyone who works with the public should consider vaccination. People should also stay home from school or work if they are sick. Wash your hands well with soap and water after using the bathroom, especially before preparing food and eating.
Most people recover completely from this infection, but some, especially those with liver disease and compromised immune systems, may become seriously ill. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about hepatitis A.
