TAMPA, Fla. — Florida health officials are issuing a warning after a food worker at an Ybor City restaurant tested positive for Hepatitis A.
The employee worked at Hamburger Mary's Bar and Grille on East 8th Avenue, according to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.
Health officials identified the positive hepatitis A case on Monday and on Thursday determined the individual worked at Hamburger Mary’s Bar and Grille.
A day prior, the restaurant was inspected by Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The inspection turned up dozens of dead cockroaches and hundreds of rodent droppings found throughout the restaurant.
Following the inspection by Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the restaurant was closed. A spokesperson said it can reopen once a satisfactory re-inspection takes place.
Customers who ate at the restaurant between Oct. 4 and 20 and have not been previously vaccinated, authorities say you should get vaccinated. If you have already gotten the vaccine, officials say no additional action is necessary.
County health officials are offering the vaccine at their Sulphur Springs location at 8605 Mitchell Avenue in Tampa.
Hepatitis A is a virus that spreads from contaminated food or water or through contact with an infected person. Symptoms may include fatigue, vomiting or nausea -- along with pain or loss of appetite. In extreme cases, the virus can cause loss of liver function. If you have any symptoms, you should call your doctor.
Authorities are asking everyone to be on high alert and report any more cases to the Florida Department of Health.
A 24-hour hotline has been set up for people with questions about Hepatitis A. The phone number is 813-307-8004.
Hamburger Mary's Bar and Grille management declined to provide a statement on Thursday.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.
Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
