A worker at the Jasey Microphone in Nassau County “dealing directly” tested positive for hepatitis A and put a customer who recently dined at a sandwich shop at risk, health officials warned.
County health officials said an employee at the Oceanside Jersey Mike tested positive for hepatitis A late Friday, revealing anyone who had eaten, drank or visited the restaurant between April 5th and April 19th.
Authorities also revealed that workers processed food directly in the substore, potentially contaminating all ingredients and dishes. And they are urging anyone who visits the place to contact a doctor immediately.
“While the risk of communication is considered low, given the abundant attention, we recommend that individuals who may have been exposed speak to their health care provider,” the Nassau County Department of Health said in a statement.
It is unclear how Jersey Microphone workers signed the virus.
Hepatitis A – Liver infections usually spread if infected people do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom, leaving traces of feces on food, drinks, or anything they touch.
Antibiotics generally cannot treat anyone 2-7 weeks after exposure when symptoms appear, but it can take up to a month for them to appear.
Symptoms can include yellow skin and eyes, nausea, stomach pain, joint pain, and even dark urine or pale stool, according to the CDC.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is usually mild and short-term, but is fatal in rare circumstances, especially for people over the age of 50 and those with pre-existing conditions or compromised immune systems.
According to the health department, anyone who already suffers from hepatitis A or has received both doses of vaccines is protected, but a single vaccine dose may help prevent infection after exposure within two weeks.
