The Gloucester County Department of Health has confirmed Hepatitis A exposure from a food handler at the Olive Garden restaurant in Deptford last month.
The exposure begain on Dec. 26 and continued through the 30th, the county reported.
Hepatitis A is a viral illness whose symptoms – including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite and jaundice – usually appear two to seven weeks after exposure. Those who have had Hepatitis A vaccine are not at risk. For those unvaccinated, the risk is low but not absent. The risk can be further lowered by getting a vaccine within two weeks of exposure.
Anyone who has not been vaccinated and believes they have been exposed should consult a doctor. The health department is working directly with the Olive Garden to provide vaccinations for potentially exposed and unvaccinated employees.
The department conducted a full inspection of the restaurant in March of last year and found it satisfactory. Reinspection occurred on Jan. 10, again with a satisfactory rating. County officials are continuing proper protocols, according to a county release.
For more information, contact (856) 218-4151. Residents can also visit the Gloucester County Department of Health website at www.gloucestercountynj.gov.
