ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An employee at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg has tested positive for hepatitis A, according to the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County.
DOH-Pinellas conducted an investigation of the employee, who worked at the Derby Club at Derby Lane, and determined they were infected with the virus.
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"The hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for anyone who ate or drank at this restaurant between Monday, September 16 and Wednesday, September 18," DOH-Pinellas said in a release. "Those who consumed food or beverage between Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 15, should instead observe for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A infection."
Derby Lane released the following statement:
"On September 23rd, management learned of a potential exposure to hepatitis A at Derby Lane from one employee who was diagnosed on Sunday, September 22nd. That employee was treated and could not return to work until they were cleared by the Florida Department of Health.
Derby Lane was considered a low-level risk; however, we took this potential exposure very seriously and worked closely with the Health Department during their investigation.
Derby Lane expects that all employees maintain the highest standards in hygiene, food safety, and on- site cleanliness and will continue to diligently monitor our staff to ensure proper protocol is being followed.
Vaccinations have been administered to Food and Beverage employees, and have been made available to all Derby Lane employees. We also encourage our customers who dined with us in the Derby Club Restaurant Circa 1925 from September 7th thru September 18th get vaccinated as well. The vaccination is readily available at pharmacies in the Tampa Bay area, as well as at your local Health Department." — Derby Lane
For more information on Hepatitis A and guidelines from the federal government, visit: www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm.
