A worker at P.F. Chang’s located at 766 South Osprey in Sarasota, Florida has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to a notice from the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County. An investigation was launched and officials found that that person worked at that end from November 6, 2019 to November 17, 2019.
The means that anyone who ate at that specific P.F. Chang’s in Sarasota on November 6 must get an immune globulin or hepatitis A vaccine today. The vaccinations are most effective if given within two weeks of exposure. Anyone who ate or drank at that restaurant during that time frame should get vaccinated.
If you have been vaccinated against the virus or have been infected in the past, you are considered immune to the virus. No additional action is needed. If you have questions about exposure you can call 941-861-2873 to talk to the Sarasota Epidemiology staff.
DOH – Sarasota is offering the hepatitis A vaccine for free at the Sarasota and North Pork Immunization Clinics. The Sarasota Clinic is located at 2200 Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota and will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 to 11:00 am and 12:20 pm to 4:30 pm; Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 11:00 am; and Fridays from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
DOH – Sarasota North Port, which is also offering the vaccine, and is located at 6950 Outreach Way in North Port, will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 1 pm to 4:30 pm. On Tuesdays, they will be open 8:00 to 11:30 am, and on Fridays from 8:00 to 11:30 pm and 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Hepatitis A is a very contagious virus that attacks the liver. People who have been infected are most contagious two weeks before symptoms appear, before they even know they are sick. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, diarrhea, feeling tired and fatigued, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, dark colored urine, and clay colored stool. The vaccine is the best way to prevent infection.
