Wendy employee in Georgia tested positive for hepatitis A

The Gwinnett County Health Department is warning Wendy's customers who recently had dinner at a Lawrenceville store to be tested for hepatitis A after an employee has been tested positive at the Gwinnett County Health Department. virus. The employee, who is on leave until they are no longer contagious, worked on the site of 165 Scenic Highway while he was ill, reports WSB-TV.

According to a statement from the Department of Health, the employee worked sick from June 13 to 29 and it is possible that they will pass the infection to other people during this time.

It is relatively uncommon for restaurant patrons to be infected with the hepatitis A virus because of the handling of a food, but anyone who has consumed food or drinks at the Wendy's during the above mentioned dates should contact your health care provider or local health department to determine if there is any hepatitis. Vaccination is necessary to prevent the disease.

According to the Director of Epidemiology and Community Health, Alana Sulka, who spoke at WSB-TV, hepatitis A can be transmitted through direct contact with an underserved person, that is, who does not not wash your hands after going to the bathroom.

The Department of Health offers free vaccines to anyone who thinks they have been exposed to the virus in this Wendy & s locality. Vaccines are recommended within 14 days of exposure, if they are not already vaccinated. Symptoms of infection, which affects the liver, include diarrhea, nausea, fever, and jaundice.

The franchise company that operates this group, the Meritage Hospitality Group of Wendy & # 39; s, also issued a statement, reported by GPB News:

We take the health and safety of our customers and members of our team very seriously, and we have strict procedures in place to ensure safe, healthy and well-maintained restaurants. We thank the Gwinnett County Health Department for their partnership in this area. To date, no other disease has been reported and the restaurant is fully operational after a successful inspection.