Hepatitis A Warning for Olive Garden Patrons in Fayetteville

Cumberland County officials warn of Hepatitis A exposure at Olive Garden in Fayetteville. 

Anyone who visited Olive Garden at 234 North McPherson Church Road in Fayetteville on eight specific days in July and August may have been exposed to Hepatitis A through a restaurant employee according to a news report tonight on nbc17.com news. 

Those who ate at the restaurant July 25, 26, 28, 29, 31 and Aug. 1, 2 and 8 “should receive an injection of Hepatitis A immune globulin or vaccine immediately,” according to Buck Wilson, Director of Cumberland County Health Department.

The immunization can be obtained through the Cumberland County Public Health Department at 1235 Ramsey Street. A walk-in clinic will start Tuesday at 9 a.m. and continue daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice.

Both immune globulin (also called gamma globulin) and Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection with Hepatitis A virus if given within 14 days of exposure. Individuals must receive the vaccine immediately. Individuals current on Hepatitis A vaccine are considered protected from this virus. Questions and concerns will be addressed by calling the Health Department at 910-433-3638.

The early signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A appear two to six weeks after exposure and commonly include mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, dark urine, light color stools and jaundice (yellowness of eyes or skin).

The disease varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more severe cases lasting 4-6 weeks or longer.

Preventive measures include thorough handwashing is key to preventing spread of Hepatitis A and should include vigorous washing of hands with soap and running water for minimum of 20 seconds.