Hepatitis A cases found in Gwinnett County restaurant workers

Atlanta, Georgia, USA. – Gwinnett County Health Department issues alert Wednesday A restaurant worker has been diagnosed with hepatitis A.

Health officials said the bartender worked at Lolita’s Bar and Grill at 472 Buford Ave. in Lawrenceville.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver, It is highly contagious and can cause fatigue, nausea, stomach pain and jaundice.

Symptoms usually begin 2 to 7 weeks after exposure and usually last less than 2 months, but can last up to 6 months. Some people with severe hepatitis A symptoms require hospitalization.

Hepatitis A spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated with small, undetected feces from an infected person.. Hepatitis A can be spread if restaurant workers who are infected with hepatitis A do not wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom.

Anyone who consumed food or drinks at Lolita’s Bar and Grill between October 24 and November 7 must:

• If you have not been vaccinated before or have hepatitis A, get the hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of exposure. If you have been vaccinated or have previously had hepatitis A, you are considered immune and do not need to be vaccinated.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
• Monitor your health for symptoms of hepatitis A infection for up to 50 days after exposure.

If you have symptoms of hepatitis A, Stay home and contact your health care provider or health department immediately.

The restaurant has cooperated with the health department’s investigation and taken proactive measures, including arranging for vaccinations of vulnerable employees and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the restaurant. Education on preventing the spread of hepatitis A is also provided.

People with questions should call their health care provider or contact the Gwinnett County Health Department at 770-339-4260.

You can also contact an epidemiologist after hours at 404-323-1910 or 866-PUB-HLTH. For more information about hepatitis A, please visit: