NEWPORT NEWS — A food handler at two local restaurants tested positive for Hepatitis A, and officials at the Peninsula Health District are alerting customers.
Kebab House, 980 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., and Sunrise Pizzeria, 10158 Jefferson Ave., are working with the health department and anyone who has eaten at these establishments between Aug. 2 and Aug. 13; Aug. 6 and Aug. 10 may have been exposed to the disease.
According to the Peninsula Health District’s news release, there is no indication of any food products being the source of the infection, but people who have eaten or drank at the Kebab House between Aug. 2-13 and Sunrise Pizzeria between Aug. 6-10 may be at risk.
People who have not been vaccinated for Hepatitis A or have never had an infection are vulnerable and a vaccine given within 2 weeks since the exposure may help, health officials said.
Vaccines are available at multiple locations including pharmacies and urgent care facilities. In addition, vaccines are offered at the health district for free or at a reduced cost. Hepatitis A is inflammation of the liver and is caused by exposure to food or water contaminated with the disease as well as contaminated needles or sexual activities, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Symptoms including yellowing of the eyes, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and occur within two weeks to a month after exposure. Read more about the symptoms here.
If you have any questions related to Hepatitis A or the vaccine, contact the Peninsula Health District at 757-594-7427 or your local health department. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website.