GNR Public Health, which covers Gwinnett County, announced Wednesday a server at a Lawrenceville restaurant has tested positive for Hepatitis A. The organization is urging those who have recently visited the restaurant to take precautions as a result.
According to a release from the health department, the infection was diagnosed in a server at Lolita's Bar and Grill on Buford Drive in Lawrenceville.
Those who ate at the restaurant from Oct. 24 to Nov. 7 may have been exposed to the infection and should contact their healthcare provider or the Gwinnett County Health Department to determine if a Hepatitis A vaccine is needed to prevent illness. The vaccine is available at the health department to exposed individuals with no out-of-pocket cost, regardless of insurance status.
Hepatitis A is a contagious viral infection that can cause loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach pain, brown-colored urine, light-colored stools and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Symptoms usually begin 2-7 weeks after exposure and generally last less than two months but can last as long as six months. Some individuals with severe symptoms of Hepatitis A require hospitalization.
Hepatitis A spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person. Hepatitis A can be spread when restaurant workers infected with hepatitis A don’t wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom.
Anyone who consumed food or drink at Lolita's Bar and Grill from Oct. 24 to Nov. 7 is asked to do the following:
1. Seek hepatitis A vaccination within 14 days of exposure if you have not previously been vaccinated for or had hepatitis A. If you have been vaccinated or have had hepatitis A previously, you are considered immune and do not need the vaccine.
2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
3. Monitor your health for symptoms of hepatitis A infection up to 50 days after exposure.
If you develop symptoms of Hepatitis A, stay home and contact your health provider or the health department immediately.
"The restaurant has been cooperative with the health department’s investigation and has taken proactive measures including scheduling immunizations for susceptible employees and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the restaurant," GNR Public Health said. "Education on prevention of Hepatitis A transmission has also been provided."
Those with questions should call their healthcare provider or the Gwinnett County Health Department at 770-339-4260 (press 0 and ask to speak with the epidemiologist on call). An epidemiologist can also be reached after hours at 404-323-1910 or 866-PUB-HLTH.
More information is available here.
