News release from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health:
Health officials issue Hepatitis A alert
Diners to 800 Degrees on Illinois Road urged to get vaccination at free clinics on Saturday and Sunday(May 31, 2013) – Public health officials are advising some patrons of 800 Degrees Three Fires restaurant at Illinois Road to get vaccinated for hepatitis A after a food worker at the restaurant tested positive for the virus.
Health officials are urging those patrons who ate or drank food from the restaurant between May 18 and May 26, 2013 and who have not already been vaccinated for hepatitis A, to get the vaccination.
The vaccine will be provided free of charge at the Southwest Allen County Schools Transportation Center at 4814 Homestead Road (See map provided). The times are as follows:
- Saturday, June 1, Noon.-8 p.m.
- Sunday, June 2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
This will be set up as a drive-thru clinic so people will receive the vaccination in their vehicles. If weather becomes an issue, the clinic may be moved indoors.
Children under age 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“We are asking these restaurant patrons to get this vaccination as a precautionary measure,” said Allen County Health Commissioner Deborah McMahan, MD. “Those who are having symptoms of the illness should not come to the vaccination clinic but should seek medical attention.”
Patrons who ate at the restaurant in the days prior to May 18, 2013 will not benefit from the vaccination, but should monitor themselves for symptoms of hepatitis A.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver, causing fever, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). It is spread through exposure to the fecal matter of an infected person, either through close person-to-person contact or contaminated food or water.
Once infected with hepatitis A, a person is capable of passing the virus for about two weeks before becoming ill until 10 days after symptoms begin. Symptoms usually last one to two weeks but can last longer. Severe complications are rare and occur more often in persons who have liver disease or a weakened immune system.
There is no specific treatment once symptoms appear, but a vaccination can help lessen the effects of the disease if given within 14 days of exposure.
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health received laboratory confirmation today of a positive hepatitis A case in a food worker at 800 degrees Three Fires at 5125 Illinois Road, near Interstate 69. The person last worked at the restaurant on May 26.
None of the other employees have hepatitis A symptoms, and so far, no other cases have been identified.
Managers at 800 Degrees are working closely and cooperatively with both local and state health officials in the current investigation, and the establishment remains open for business.
“This incident serves as a reminder of why it is so important that we have a well-trained and adequately funded public health workforce which can respond to urgent public health matters efficiently and effectively,” McMahan says.
The best way to control the spread of hepatitis A and many other illnesses is through proper hand washing, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Hand washing should include 20 seconds of vigorous soaping of all parts of the hands, especially between fingers and under fingernails.
The Department of Health will also be establishing an information line to provide answers to common questions. More information on that hotline will be released soon.
For more information, visit www.allencountyhealth.com. You can also check for updates on Facebook and Twitter.
About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus which is found in the stool (bowel movement) of an infected person. It is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces, or stool, of an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea and jaundice. A person can transmit the virus up to 14 days before symptoms appear. There is no treatment for Hepatitis A but a vaccination can provide protection if given within 14 days of exposure to the virus.
Directions to Vaccination Center
To receive the hepatitis A vaccination, go to the Southwest Allen County Schools Transportation Building at 4814 Homestead Road.
From the North
- Take I-69 S toward I-469/Fort Wayne
- Merge onto U.S.-24 W via Exit 102 (toward Huntington)
- Turn right on Liberty Mills Road
- Turn right on Homestead Road
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From the South
- Take I-469 W/U.S.-24W/U.S. 33 N
- Take the Lower Huntington Road Exit 99 (toward Airport Expressway)
- Turn left on Lower Huntington Road
- Turn right on Homestead Road
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From the East
- Take I-469 S/U.S.-24W
- Merge onto I-69 N/U.S.-24W/U.S.33 S via Exit 0B (toward Fort Wayne)
- Take Lower Huntington Road Exit 99 (toward Airport Expressway)
- Turn left on Lower Huntington Road
- Turn right on Homestead Road
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From the West
- Go east on Illinois Road
- Turn right on Scott Road
- Turn right on Covington Road
- Turn left on Homestead Road
Printable copy of directions to Vaccination Clinic.
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