Customers who frequented Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City from Oct. 4 and Saturday (Oct. 20) should be vaccinated if they have not already received hepatitis A vaccines, according to the Hillsborough health department.

TAMPA – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has identified a positive case of hepatitis A in a food service worker in Ybor City.

After lab confirmation Monday (Oct. 22), DOH immediately began an investigation and today (Oct 25) determined the individual worked at Hamburger Mary’s Bar and Grille, 1800 E 8th Ave. in Tampa between Oct. 4 and Saturday (Oct. 20).

People who frequented this restaurant between Oct. 4 and Saturday and have not previously been vaccinated for hepatitis A, you should be vaccinated. Those who have had the hepatitis A vaccine do not need to take additional action. DOH-Hillsborough is offering the vaccine at the Sulphur Springs location, 8605 Mitchell Ave, Tampa.

DOH extended its hours of operation at the Sulphur Springs location for those who need to receive the hepatitis A vaccine. The clinic will be open today until 7 p.m. and from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday (Oct. 26).
Saturday (Oct. 27), the clinic will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Regular hours, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. will resume on Monday (Oct. 29).

DOH-Hillsborough is encouraging all healthcare providers, including hospital emergency departments to stay on high alert and immediately report cases to the Florida Department of Health.

A 24-hour hotline has been set up for people who have questions about Hepatitis A. The number to call is (813) 307-8004.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated for hepatitis A include:

*All children at age 1 year
*People who are experiencing homelessness
*Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
*Men who have sexual encounters with other men
*People with direct contact with others who have hepatitis A
*Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common
*People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
*People with clotting-factor disorders
*Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. People infected with hepatitis A are most contagious from two weeks before onset of symptoms to one week afterwards. Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms. Symptoms usually start within 28 days of exposure to the virus with a range of 15-50 days.

Symptoms can include:

*Jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes)
*Fever
*Diarrhea
*Fatigue/tired
*Loss of appetite
*Nausea and vomiting
*Stomach pain
*Dark-colored urine
*Pale or clay colored stool

How is hepatitis A treated or hepatitis A infection prevented?

*Hepatitis A vaccine is the best method of preventing infection.
*No medicines can cure the disease once symptoms appear. People with hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
*Most people get better over time but may need to be hospitalized.
*Previous infection with hepatitis A provides immunity for the rest of a person’s life.
*People that are exposed to hepatitis A may be given vaccine or immune globulin within 14 days of exposure to prevent infection.

Health Department | Hepatitis A | Health | Tampabay News

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