There was a possible hepatitis A exposure at the Aiken Brewing Company on Laurens Street South West in downtown Aiken, South Carolina, according to a press release issued by the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. Customers who ate there between January 11 and January 26, 2019 may have been exposed to the pathogen.
Anyone who ate there from January 23 through January 26, 2019 can get a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccination. Those shots are only effective if given within two weeks of exposure. All other customers need to monitor themselves for the symptoms of hepatitis A and see a doctor if they appear.
Those symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), pale stools, and dark urine. These symptoms usually begin within two weeks to 50 days after exposure. People with liver disease and anyone with a chronic illness are more likely to suffer serious complications, even liver failure, if they contract this illness.
The Aiken County Health Department, at 222 Beaufort Street NE in Aiken will be offering vaccinations on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Thursday, February 7, 2019, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The restaurant is working with public health officials to investigate exposures and arrange vaccinations for anyone who may have been infected.
While vaccinations are the best way to prevent these outbreaks, staying home from work or school while you are sick is effective. In addition, people should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and after caring for someone who is ill.
