The Seneca County Health Department has announced that a confirmed case of Hepatitis A has occurred in a McDonald’s employee. The employee worked at the McDonald’s location at 2500 Mound Rd. in Waterloo, NY. This employee may have contaminated food at the fast food restaurant, but officials stress that there is a very low risk of contracting the illness. So far no cases of illness have been connected to this instance of Hepatitis A. Health officials are urging those who ate at the fast food restaurant on November 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, or 8th to go to a clinic where vaccinations are being administered.
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes a liver infection in humans. Transmission usually occurs after exposure to contaminated fecal matter. Hepatitis is a self-limiting illness that may not even produce symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they will include nausea, fever, fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Young children tend to not show symptoms, while older children and adults will likely show symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they will include nausea, fever, fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Symptoms generally subside within two months, but there is a chance that the virus will last for six months. There is a Hepatitis A vaccine, and it is very effective at reducing the chance of infection. The vaccine is recommended for those with certain risk factors, including those that have a compromised immune system, those that are young children, and those that live in an area with high rates of infection. If you or a loved one begins to show the symptoms of a Hepatitis A infection, contact a medical professional.
