HERNANDO BEACH, Fla. — A food service worker at a Hernando Beach restaurant has tested positive for Hepatitis A, according to the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County.
The individual worked at Zig Zag Scallop Restaurant located at 4417 Calienta Street between December 1 through December 3.
Worker at popular St. Pete Beach restaurant tests positive for Hep A; customers urged to get vaccine
If you frequented the restaurant between December 1st and 3rd and have not been previously vaccinated for Hepatitis A, you should be vaccinated.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis virus. The best way to prevent it is to receive the vaccine.
The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County is offering a special vaccination clinic at the Spring Hill location for those who need to receive the vaccine. The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 15.
FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN HERNANDO COUNTY:
A 24-hour hotline has been set up for people who have questions about hepatitis A. The number to call is 352-247-6111.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated for hepatitis A include:
• All children at age 1 year
• 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 onset of symptoms to one week afterwards. 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?
• Practicing good hand hygiene – including thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food – plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.
• 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.
