POQUOSON, Va. — Health Department officials are warning people of a potential Hepatitis A exposure at a Poquoson pizza place.
According to the Peninsula Health District, an employee at Mr. C's Pizza & Subs at 493 Wythe Creek Road in Poquoson was diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
Officials recommend that anyone who ate at the restaurant between September 12 and 21, on September 30 and on October 1 should get tested because they may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.
Health officials said the risk to the public from this exposure is low, but shared the information to keep the public informed.
There is no indication that food products at the restaurant were the source of the infection.
People who have not been vaccinated and have never had Hepatitis A are susceptible to the disease and could be at risk if they ate at the restaurants on the dates mentioned and could benefit from the vaccine if received within two weeks from the date of the exposure.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is available at various urgent care clinics, pharmacies, and the Peninsula Health District.
Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limiting disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It can cause liver inflammation and is spread through direct contact with an infected person, by consuming contaminated food or drinks or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and light-colored stool. Symptoms usually develop between 15 and 50 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone experiencing any symptoms should call their doctor immediately.
Health officials say it's important for anyone experiencing symptoms of Hepatitis A to stay home from work, especially if they work in foodservice, healthcare or childcare.
Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of Hepatitis A.
If you have any questions about Hepatitis A or the vaccine, call the Peninsula Health District at 757-594-7427 or your local health department.
For more information, click here.
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