The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) has identified a positive case of hepatitis A in a food service worker in Sarasota.

DOH-Sarasota conducted an epidemiological investigation and have determined an individual who worked at P.F. Chang’s, located at 766 South Osprey, from November 6 to 17 may have been infectious.

The hepatitis A vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Therefore, the hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for anyone who ate or drank at this restaurant between November 6 through 17.

If you previously have received the hepatitis A vaccine or have had a past history of a Hepatitis A infection, you are considered immune to the Hepatitis A virus and do not need to take additional action.

Those with specific questions about exposure to hepatitis A at P.F. Chang’s can call (941) 861-2873 to reach the DOH-Sarasota Epidemiology staff.

P.F. Chang's wants guests to know that they have set-up a call center and would like to hear from them. Guests can contact P.F. Chang's at (888) 719-5059.

DOH-Sarasota is encouraging all healthcare providers, including hospital emergency departments to stay on high alert and immediately report cases of Hepatitis A to DOH-Sarasota, as well as identify those who would benefit from vaccination.

Contact your county’s health department for hepatitis A vaccinations if you live outside Sarasota County. Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated for hepatitis A include:

• All children at the age of 12 months
• People who are experiencing homelessness
• Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
• Men who have sexual encounters with other men
• People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
• Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
• People with chronic / long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
• People with clotting-factor disorders
• Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common

DOH – Sarasota is offering the hepatitis A vaccine for free at our Sarasota, and North Port Immunization Clinics.

• DOH – Sarasota, 2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota 34237
  Ringling Hours:
  Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays: 8 – 11a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  Tuesdays: 8 – 11 a.m.
  Fridays: 8 – 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• DOH – Sarasota, North Port, 6950 Outreach Way, North Port 34287
  North Port Hours:
  Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays: 8 – 11:30 a.m. and 1p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  Tuesdays: 8 – 11:30 a.m.
  Fridays: 8 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. People infected with hepatitis A are most contagious from two weeks before onset of symptoms to one week afterwards. Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms. Symptoms usually start within 28 days of exposure to the virus with a range of 15-50 days. Symptoms can include:

• Jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes)
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue/tired
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Dark-colored urine
• Pale or clay colored stool

How is hepatitis A treated or hepatitis A infection prevented?

Hepatitis A vaccine is the best method of preventing infection.

Practicing good hand hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of hepatitis A.

Use soap and running water and wash for at least 20 seconds, wash hands after changing a diaper or caring for a person, and wash hands before preparing, serving or eating food.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill the hepatitis A virus.

No medicines can cure the disease once symptoms appear. People with hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

Most people get better over time but may need to be hospitalized.

Previous infection with hepatitis A provides immunity for the rest of a person’s life.

People that are exposed to hepatitis A may be given vaccine or immune globulin within 14 days of exposure to prevent infection.

How Hepatitis A is Investigated by the Department of Health

After a case of hepatitis A has been reported to the FDOH by a health care provider, a county health department (CHD) epidemiologist will interview the individual and collect information regarding the timeline of their previous 50 days, including travel, occupation, drug use, food history and more. The epidemiologist will then identify close contacts of the ill person. If given within 14 days, the hepatitis A vaccine will help prevent infection among anyone exposed to the virus. As with the national outbreak, the majority of cases of hepatitis A in Florida are close contacts of persons experiencing homelessness or persons who use or inject drugs. Less than 5% of cases have been identified among food workers.

To date, FDOH has not identified a case of hepatitis A transmission from a food worker to a restaurant patron.