Guests who ate at Goose Creek Waffle House may have been exposed to hepatitis A

To date, guests and staff who have eaten at the restaurant between August 24 and September 2, 2019 are unlikely to benefit from post-exposure treatment. Anyone who has eaten at the restaurant between these dates should watch for the onset of symptoms of infection such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or yellowing of the eyes and skin. People usually get sick two to six weeks after being exposed to the virus. Seek medical attention if symptoms appear. DHEC declared May 13 an outbreak of hepatitis A throughout the country, based on a steady increase in the number of cases. Between November 1, 2018 and September 13, 2019, 409 cases of hepatitis A have been reported. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Most people who contract hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks, but they usually heal completely and do not suffer no persistent liver injury. Some people are at greater risk of serious infection with hepatitis A and are encouraged to get vaccinated. These people include anyone with a weakened immune system, liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C) or anyone who abuses injection drugs or not.