CARROLLTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A restaurant worker in Carrollton has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, health officials said Tuesday night.
Three Rivers District Health Department said it responded to reports of the illness at the Wendy’s restaurant at 3177 Highway 227.
According to a news release by the health agency, the employee who became ill “was not involved in regular food preparation.”
Nonetheless, officials are advising people who visited the restaurant between Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 to monitor their health and consider getting a vaccine.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that is usually spread when a person unknowingly eats or drinks something contaminated by small amounts of stool from an infected person.
Washing your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper or before making food and drinks can help stop the spread of hepatitis A.
Symptoms of hepatitis A are fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.
People may have some or none of these symptoms. People can become ill 15-50 days after being exposed to the virus. Someone sick with hepatitis A is most likely to spread the virus during the two weeks before feeling sick and for 1 week after yellow eyes and skin start. Children often do not exhibit symptoms. Although rare, death can occur from this infection.
