SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. -- For the first time, we're learning about a Hepatitis A case at a popular hotel.
Spring Hill Suites Marriott at 1020 University Parkway in Sarasota had a worker who tested positive for Hepatitis A, according to state records.
RELATED:
- Worker from Sarasota restaurant reported as confirmed Hepatitis A case in January
- Why Pinellas County Health won’t tell the public about restaurant workers with Hepatitis A
- Everything you need to know about hepatitis A in the Tampa Bay area
DIRTY DINING | Uncovering outbreaks and violations from local restaurants
Our ABC Action News Iteam uncovered documents from the state that the employee started exhibiting symptoms of the contagious disease on January 1, 2019.
And according to the epidemiologist in Manatee County, that employee was a kitchen manager, who set up the breakfast buffet daily.
Besh Simpson, the general manager of Spring Hill Suites Marriott released the following statement:
In January 2019 we had a confirmed case of Hepatitis A at our hotel. We worked closely with the Health Department at the time and followed the guidance they provided. At this time, we have no reason to believe there are any health concerns as it relates to this matter. For any additional questions, please contact the Sarasota County Health Department.
This would mark the second Sarasota-based business we have learned about a Hepatitis A case in their employees. Earlier Thursday, the Element PB&T Restaurant at 1413 Main Street in Sarasota had a worker who tested positive for Hepatitis A, according to state records.
Hepatitis A has become an epidemic in the bay area and the state with more than 1,500 confirmed cases in Florida since January 2018.
The Hepatitis A virus is spread when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food or drinks that have been contaminated with small undetected amounts of stool from an infected person.
Pinellas County Health Department is offering Hepatitis A vaccines to the public at no cost at several vaccine centers. For more information on where you can get these free vaccines in Pinellas County, you can click here . Other Florida counties, including Hillsborough, also provide free or discounted Hepatitis A vaccines. You can click here for more information.
For more information on Hepatitis A and guidelines from the federal government, visit: www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm.
Story developing, refresh for updates. Stay with ABC Action News for the latest.
