Michigan: Hepatitis A reported in Bridgeport Cracker Barrel worker, Exposure warning issued
By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Saginaw County Health Department (SCHD) has confirmed a case of hepatitis A (HAV) in a foodservice worker at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant and Old Country Store located at 6450 Dixie Highway in Bridgeport, Michigan. The facility is working with the SCHD during the investigation.
Hepatitis A
Image/CDC
Anyone who visited the Cracker Barrel from August 25-28, 2019 may have been exposed. These
individuals are advised to receive the hepatitis A vaccine by September 8, 2019. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days of exposure. The hepatitis A vaccine is available at the Saginaw County Health Department and is also available through some healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable, contagious liver disease. While the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule, most adults have not been vaccinated and may be susceptible to HAV. It is most commonly spread by eating contaminated food or
water, during sex, or just by living with an infected person.
Symptoms of HAV infection include nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, feeling tired, fever, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, pale-colored feces and joint pain.
The best way to reduce the risk of getting HAV is to get vaccinated with hepatitis A vaccine. It is also recommended to wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before preparing meals for yourself
and others. Use your own towels, toothbrushes, and eating utensils. Do not have sex with someone who
has HAV infection or share food, drinks, drugs, needles, or smokes with other people.
