The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is alerting the public about a potential local health threat and outlining plans in place for people affected.
The department has been notified of an individual recently diagnosed with Hepatitis A who had been working at a local restaurant while possibly contagious.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can result in sickness ranging from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe symptoms lasting several months.
This infection is easily transmitted from person to person in a food service environment.
We have been in contact with our healthcare partners to alert them to the situation and review proper vaccination protocols.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Health Department is recommending individuals who ate at the Red Robin restaurant at 3720 S. Glenstone Avenue from May 8 to May 16 to contact their healthcare provider.
While the Health Department considers this a significant health threat, an important thing to remember is that people are now commonly vaccinated for Hepatitis A.
For those not previously vaccinated, the Health Department has set up a vaccination clinic which will take place at Remington’s at 1655 W. Republic Road. While this clinic will be open to the public, the Health Department recommends individuals who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems visit their doctor for guidance.
Vaccinations will be provided starting May 22 at 11 am to 6 pm and will continue May 23 from 7 a.m. to noon.
Mercy will also offer vaccinations at the Smith Glenn Callaway Clinic at 3231 S. National on May 24-26 from noon to 4 p.m.
Symptoms of the illness include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
- Jaundice
The department has set up a hotline from people to call if they have questions. It is at 417-829-6200.
It will be staffed from:
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, May 21
- 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 22
- 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 23
We will also update our website at health.springfieldmo.gov as more information is available.
Download a statement sent on behalf of Red Robin International (1.4 mb PDF).
For more information contact: Kathryn Wall, Public Health Information Administrator, Springfield-Greene County Health Department, O: (417) 874-1205 | C: (417) 840-9768
No comments:
Post a Comment