Columbus Public Health Investigating Confirmed Hepatitis A in Local Food Service Worker
Columbus Public Health Investigating Confirmed Hepatitis A in Local Food Service Worker
Anyone Who was at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop from January 1-16 is encouraged to get Hepatitis A Vaccine
Columbus Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of hepatitis A in a local food service worker at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 479 N. High St., who had direct contact with food. Anyone who was at this location between January 1-16, 2019 is encouraged to get a hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible and to watch for symptoms of hepatitis A which include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
An information line has been set up for questions or information on the hepatitis A vaccine at 614-645-1474, option 3.
Columbus Public Health has provided vaccinations to the workers at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and none of them are currently ill. Additionally, a free public vaccination clinic for adults will be held from noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow, January 26, at Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus.
Hepatitis A vaccines are also available from healthcare providers and retail pharmacies. Residents are encouraged to call ahead first to make sure a particular location has the vaccine on hand. The vaccine is covered by most insurance plans.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver disease that is spread when hands, food or objects contaminated with stool are put in the mouth. It can be spread by close contact with a person who is sick with hepatitis A, eating food prepared by a person with hepatitis A, or sex with a person with hepatitis A. Getting vaccinated and practicing proper handwashing is the best way to prevent hepatitis A.
Columbus Public Health has been investigating cases, conducting outreach and providing vaccinations since a statewide outbreak was declared in 2018. To date, Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health have investigated 213 cases of hepatitis A. Public health also has provided more than 3,000 vaccines in the community, focusing efforts on at-risk populations.
People at increased risk for hepatitis A include people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, people experiencing homelessness and travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting.
For more information on hepatitis A, visit https://bit.ly/2MEvQzn
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