Hepatitis A Infection Confirmed By Sterling Restaurant Worker

STERLING, VA — The Loudoun County Health Department has advised patrons of Senor Ramon at 22455 Davis Dr. in Sterling to consider getting a vaccination to ward off hepatitis A if they dined at the restaurant from July 10-26 and are susceptible to getting hepatitis A.

People who are susceptible to hepatitis A and ate or drank anything at the restaurant during that timeframe can receive a hepatitis A vaccine at urgent care clinics, pharmacies and at the Loudoun County Health Department. Individuals who have never been vaccinated for hepatitis A nor had the disease in the past are considered susceptible.

An employee at the restaurant has been diagnosed with hepatitis A and management there notified the Loudoun County Health Department and state health department. Food products are not believed to be the source of the infection and there is no indication that patrons at other locations were affected.

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. The classic symptom of hepatitis A is jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin or the eyes. Other symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and light-colored stools.

Symptoms develop 15-50 days after exposure to the virus, which can occur through direct contact with another person who has the infection or by consuming food or drink that has been contaminated with the virus. The Virginia Department of Health advised that while vaccinating is not considered helpful more than 14 days after exposure, it is still important to contact a medical provider to be evaluated if someone is symptomatic, even after two weeks have elapsed. It is also very important for people who have symptoms of hepatitis A to stay home from work, especially if theywork in food service, health care or child care.