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Food worker tests positive for hepatitis A, health officials say

A hotline has been set up for people with questions: 813-307-8004.

SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. — A Sun City Center food service worker has tested positive for the highly-contagious liver-affecting virus hepatitis A.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County said the employee worked at Sandpiper Grille on South Pebble Beach Boulevard.

Authorities received lab confirmation of the case on March 30 and immediately began an epidemiological investigation. During the investigation, health officials determined the worker handled food and could have exposed customers to hepatitis A.

Health officials are recommending the hepatitis A vaccine for anyone who ate or drank at the restaurant between March 20 and 24. Anyone who has previously gotten the vaccine does not need to take any additional action, officials say.

Local health officials are offering the vaccine for free between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays at the Sulphur Springs Health Complex at 8605 Mitchell Ave in Tampa. A special vaccination clinic is also going to be set up at the Joyce Ely Health Center, 205 14th Ave in Ruskin, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday.

A hotline has been set up for people with questions: 813-307-8004.

Symptoms of hepatitis A may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and dark urine or pale stool. There is no medication that can cure the disease, but people with symptoms should call a doctor immediately. Most people get better over time, but they sometimes need to be hospitalized. People who are exposed may be given a vaccine or immune globulin within 14 days. That may help prevent infection.

Reached by phone, a manager for Sandpiper Grille declined to comment.

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