Food handler in Berea diagnosed with hepatitis A

BEREA, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Madison County Health Department says there is a confirmed case of hepatitis A involving a food handler at McDonald’s.

The department says the employee worked while infectious at McDonald’s restaurant on Glades Road in Berea on March 23, 2018.

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that is passed person to person through fecal-oral contact.

Health officials say the risk to patrons who ate at McDonald’s is very low. However, individuals who ate there on March 23rd should watch for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A from April 7th to May 12th.

Symptoms of infection usually appear 15 to 50 days after exposure and can include: fever, jaundice, grey-colored stools, dark urine, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and joint pain. Some people, especially children, may have no symptoms. Symptoms usually resolve in 2 months but can last as long as 6 months. There is no treatment for Hepatitis A and some people require hospitalization. If you have these symptoms you should contact your primary care provider for testing.

The Madison County Health Department says McDonald’s is fully cooperating with local and state health officials to investigate this case and that the restaurant received a score of 100% on their most recent health department inspection in February.