Kentucky - Fast Food Worker May Have Exposed Patrons to Hepatitis A

In Kentucky, a fast food worker at a McDonald's restaurant may have worked while infectious with Hepatitis A.  Those patrons who ate at that McDonalds need to now watch for the symptoms as short window for vaccination with immunoglobulin (<2 weeks) has passed.
More on Hepatitis A transmitted by food from CDC.

http://www.madisoncountyhealthdept.org/
Health Department Investigating Hepatitis A Case in a Food Handler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Thacker PIO 859-626-4259
April 12, 2018. Richmond/Berea, KY.

The Madison County Health Department is investigating a single case of hepatitis A in a food handler who worked while infectious at McDonalds restaurant on Glades Road in Berea, KY on March 23, 2018. Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that is passed person to person through fecal-oral contact. The risk to patrons who ate at McDonalds is very low. However, individuals who ate there on March 23rd, should watch for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A from April 7th to May 12th.

It should be noted that McDonalds is fully cooperating with local and state health officials to investigate this case and to ensure the health and safety of its employees and patrons. It should also be noted that this McDonalds received a score of 100% on their most recent health department inspection in February.

Hepatitis A can be spread when: an infected person does not wash his or her hands properly after going to the bathroom and then touches objects or food; a caregiver does not properly wash his or her hands after changing diapers or cleaning up the stool of an infected person; someone engages in certain sexual activities. Hepatitis A can also be spread through food or water through an ill food handler or by using contaminated items.

Symptoms of infection usually appear 15 to 50 days after exposure and can include: fever, jaundice, grey-colored stools, dark urine, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and joint pain. Some people, especially children, may have no symptoms. This is why proper handwashing is critical. Symptoms usually resolve in 2 months but can last as long as 6 months. There is no treatment for Hepatitis A and some people require hospitalization. If you have these symptoms you should contact your primary care provider for testing.

Hepatitis A can be prevented by receiving the Hepatitis A vaccination. This vaccination is available to anyone 12 months of age or older and is given in two doses six months apart. Everyone is also reminded that handwashing is the best way to prevent infection. Handwashing should be emphasized especially after using the bathroom, changing a diaper or preparing and eating food.

Any parent who is concerned about their child’s immunization status may go to the Madison County School Systems Infinite Campus portal to review their child’s immunization record. Hepatitis A vaccines have been recommended, but not required, for several years and many children have received the vaccine. However, as of July 1, 2018 it is now a requirement for all children over the age of 12 months. Further information on Hepatitis A and prevention of infection can be found at www.cdc.gov or http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/hepatitis.htm. Information for food service employers or employees can be found at http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/RetailFoodProtection/default.htm.