The Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) has identified a positive case of hepatitis A in a food service worker in Clermont.
DOH-Lake conducted an epidemiological investigation and today determined an individual who worked at Steak ‘n Shake 2545 E, FL-50, during January 1st-19th, 2020 and January 28th-29th, 2020 may have been infectious.
The hepatitis A vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Therefore, the hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for anyone who ate or drank at this restaurant between January 28th-29th, 2020. Those who consumed food or beverage between January 1st-19th, 2020 should instead observe for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A infection. This includes sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, fever, diarrhea, pale white stools, or yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Anyone experiencing these symptoms should promptly seek medical attention.
If you consumed food from this restaurant during that period and have not previously been vaccinated for hepatitis A, you should receive the first dose of the hepatitis A immunization. The second dose is provided six months after the first. If you previously have received the hepatitis A vaccine or have had a past history of a Hepatitis A infection, you are considered immune to the Hepatitis A virus and do not need to take additional action.
If you previously have received the hepatitis A vaccine or have had a history of a Hepatitis A infection, you are considered immune to the Hepatitis A virus and do not need to take additional action.
Those with specific questions about exposure to hepatitis A at Steak n’ Shake can call (352) 771-5575 to reach the Epidemiology staff.
DOH-Lake is encouraging all healthcare providers, including hospital emergency departments to stay on high alert and immediately report cases to DOH-Lake.
DOH-Lake will be offering the hepatitis A vaccine at no cost on Saturday, February 8th from 1 pm-6 pm. at the Clermont office 875 Oakley Seaver Blvd. Clermont.
Contact your county’s health department for hepatitis A vaccinations if you live outside Lake County. Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated for hepatitis A include:
- All children at the age of 12 months
- People who are experiencing homelessness
- Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
- Men who have sexual encounters with other men
- People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
- Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
- People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- People with clotting factor disorders
- Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. People infected with hepatitis A are most contagious from two weeks before the onset of symptoms to one week afterward. Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms. Symptoms usually start within 28 days of exposure to the virus with a range of 15-50 days. Symptoms can include:
- Jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes)
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue/tired
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale or clay-colored stool
How is hepatitis A treated or hepatitis A infection prevented?
- Hepatitis A vaccine is the best method of preventing infection.
- No medicines can cure the disease once symptoms appear. People with hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
- Most people get better over time but may need to be hospitalized.
Previous infection with hepatitis A provides immunity for the rest of a person’s life.
- People that are exposed to hepatitis A may be given vaccine or immune globulin within 14 days of exposure to prevent infection.
Go to http://lake.floridahealth.gov/ or call (352) 771-5500 for information about DOH-Lake.
