INDIANA (WHAS11) - The Floyd County Health Department (FCHD) is working with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to investigate multiple recent hepatitis A cases. One recent hepatitis A case has been confirmed in a food employee at Taco Bell, 900 Lafollette Center, Floyds Knobs, Ind.
If you have eaten there between April 1 through April 18 it is recommended you receive the hepatitis A vaccine between now and April 30 to reduce the chance of infection.
The FCHD is working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. If you have had contact with someone who is ill please contact the health department.
You may contact the Floyd County Health Department to receive preventative care. If you develop any of the below symptoms you should seek medical attention.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. It is highly contagious and is usually transmitted through Fecal - Oral routes or through consumption of contaminated food or water.
Individuals can contract the virus through contact with:
• Shared Syringes or “Work” used to inject drugs
• Foods prepared or served by an infected person(s)
• Stool or blood of an infected person(s)
• Inanimate objects that may have trace amounts of fecal material from hand contact.
Symptoms vary greatly, from severe to none at all. But you may experience symptoms like: loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach ache, dark (cola) colored urine, and light-colored stools.
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) may appear a few days after the onset of these symptoms.
Persons can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Most people who get hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks, but they usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage.
Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Individuals with symptoms should not prepare or serve food to others and should wash hands thoroughly.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Floyd County Health Department at 812-948-4726.
