A food worker at Roadhouse 100 in Gray Summit, Missouri has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to news reports. Anyone who ate at that restaurant between June 23 and July 5, 2019 should contact their doctor and inquire about a possible vaccination against the virus, or visit the local health department for a free vaccine. The Franklin County Health Department is conducting an investigation.
Today is the last day that patrons who visited that venue can receive either an immune globulin or hepatitis A vaccination, since the vaccines are only effective if given within two weeks of exposure. People who were at that facility but didn’t eat food or drink beverages are asked not to come to the vaccination clinics that the county has scheduled.
The Franklin County Health Department is holding clinics to provide vaccines at no cost to anyone who consumed food or drink at Roadhouse 100 during the dates specified. They are located at 414 East Main Street in Union, Missouri. Clinics will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Thursday, July 11, 2019, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually begin 15 to 50 days after someone is exposed. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant, dark urine, clay-colored stools, diarrhea, and joint pain. Most people do recover from this illness without medical treatment, but some, especially people with liver disease, can become sick enough to require hospitalization.
To protect yourself and the public, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated against this virus, especially if you work with the public. In addition, stay home from work or school if you are sick, particularly with a diarrheal illness. Finally, always wash your hands throughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, taking care of someone who is sick, and before preparing or serving food.
