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Louisville White Castle employee diagnosed with hep A virus

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by putting something in your mouth such as an object, food or drink, which has been in contact with the feces of an infected person.

LOUISVILLE – An employee of a White Castle, located at 3701 Seventh St. Rd. in Louisville, has been diagnosed with acute hepatitis A.

Customers who ate at the restaurant from April 6 to April 20 may have been exposed to the hep A virus.

Symptoms of hep A are fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). People can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by putting something in your mouth that has been in contact with the feces of an infected person. There have been 281 cases diagnosed in Louisville since November and more than 14,000 vaccinated.

“The best ways to prevent hepatitis A infection are to get vaccinated and to practice good handwashing,” said Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director. “Washing your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap, especially before preparing meals or eating, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper is a proven way to prevent the spread of diseases. Hand sanitizer is not as effective as hand washing against hepatitis A.”

The Department of Public Health and Wellness urges anyone working in the hospitality industry, especially those who serve or prepare food and beverages, protect themselves and others by getting the hepatitis A vaccine. White Castle is going to provide free vaccinations for their employees in the Louisville Metro area.

The department and the University of Louisville Global Health Center have partnered to give below-cost vaccinations to all hospitality workers. The cost of the hepatitis A vaccine has been reduced from $65 to $25. Businesses with more than 20 employees can have a nurse come to their site to give the immunizations. Businesses with fewer than 20 employees may designate vaccine for their employees to be immunized at UofL’s walk-in clinic. To arrange these employee immunizations, contact Dr. Ruth Carrico at 502-852-1324.

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