The Florida Department of Health in Indian River has released a statement that a food service worker at Pizza Mia, at 1115 21st Street in Vero Beach, has been diagnosed with hepatitis A. That person worked at that venue from July 19 through July 23, 2018 and may have been infectious.
That means that anyone who ate at that Pizza Mia restaurant before July 22, 2019 is no longer eligible for a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccination, which is effective only if given within two weeks of exposure. The vaccines are being recommended for anyone who ate food or drank beverages at that restaurant during that time period. If you have had a hepatitis A vaccine in the past you don’t need to take any action.
People who are no longer eligible for a vaccine should monitor their health for the symptoms of hepatitis A, which include abdominal discomfort, vomiting, nausea, dark urine, clay-colored stools, diarrhea, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). If these symptoms appear, see your doctor. There is no treatment for this illness. Some people, especially those with liver disease, may need hospitalization.
If you have questions about this exposure, you can call the DOH-Indian River Epidemiology staff by calling 772-794-7475. All healthcare providers are encouraged to stay on high alert for symptoms of this illness. All cases must be reported to the health department.
DOH-Indian River is offering the hepatitis A vaccination at no cost and without an appointment from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays. The address is the Indian River County Health Department at 1900 27th Street in Vero Beach.
This extremely contagious illness can be prevented with vaccinations, especially for people who have jobs with the public. Handwashing after using the bathroom and taking care of someone who is sick also helps. And anyone who is ill with a diarrheal illness should stay home from work or school until they have fully recovered.
