HEALTH ALERT: Worker at Cheddar’s in Bristol, Virginia tests positive for hepatitis A
A worker at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in Bristol, Virginia has tested positive for hepatitis A, causing the Mount Rogers Health District to issue an alert to select customers to get vaccinated.
The agency said patrons who dined at Cheddar’s on Nov. 16 or 17 could have been exposed. Vaccinations will be available at the Washington County Health Department at 15068 Lee Highway through Friday during regular office hours.
Health District Director Dr. Karen Shelton said in the report that Cheddar’s has always been compliant with safe food handling practices and has been cooperative in dealing with the current situation.
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. The classic symptom is jaundice: yellowing of the skin or the eyes. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and light-colored stools, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
“Exposure to hepatitis A virus may occur through direct contact with an infected person or by consuming food or drink that is contaminated, and symptoms may develop from 15 up to 50 days following exposure,” said Julia Banks, district nurse epidemiologist for the Mount Rogers Health District. “Persons are at increased risk if they have been in close and continuous contact with an infected person, particularly in a household or daycare setting.”
