Possible hepatitis A exposure has occurred at the Huddle House at 1029 West Dekalb Street in Camden, South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Anyone who ate there between June 14 and June 28, 2019 may have been exposed to the virus.
This is not a foodborne outbreak, but a notice to inform patrons that they should talk to their doctors about possible vaccination against hepatitis A. The risk of contracting the infection is low, but exists.
Since the hepatitis A and immune globulin vaccinations are only effective if given within two weeks of exposure, anyone who ate or drank at the Huddle House before June 18, 2019 is no longer eligible. All those people can do is monitor their health for the symptoms of hepatitis A, which include tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay colored stools, and yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice). Symptoms usually begin 15 to 50 days after exposure.
Restaurant patrons who may have been exposed can visit the Kershaw County Health Department at 116 Church Street in Camden, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm July 2, and 8:30 am to 4:30 pm July 3, 2019. No appointment is necessary. Adults 18 years of age and older can get vaccinated at some local pharmacies without a prescription, depending on insurance coverage.
There is a statewide hepatitis A outbreak in South Carolina that was declared on May 13, 2019. Most people who get this illness feel ill for several weeks, but they recover completely. However, some people, with weakened immune systems or liver biases, can become seriously ill.
If you have questions, you can call the DHEC’s Careline at 1-855-472-3432 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Staff will be available to answer any questions you might have.
The best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis A is to get vaccinated, especially if you work with the public. Other methods of prevention include thorough handwashing after using the bathroom, and staying home from work or school if you are sick.
