FORT SMITH, Ark. — Arkansas health officials are issuing another warning of a possible hepatitis A exposure – this time at a Fort Smith restaurant after an employee tested positive for the disease.
Health officials say anyone who ate at the Red Lobster from July 19 to August 4 should get a vaccination immediately if they have never received a vaccine or are unsure of their vaccination status.
The news comes a day after the ADH issued a warning of possible hep A exposure at a Paragould Little Caesar’s restaurant.
In response, ADH is planning multiple vaccination clinics, including one in Sebastian County and two in Greene County. While the Sebastian County clinic details will soon be released, the ones in Greene County are set for August 9 and 10 at the Paragould Community Center and August 16 and 17 at the Eastside Baptist Church.
Hep A, a contagious liver disease, is usually spread when a person ingests small amounts of fecal matter from contact with objects, food or drinks that have been previously contaminated by the feces of an infected person. It is preventable through vaccination, ADH says.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, or jaundice.
