Preble County Public Health reports hepatitis A case in food service worker

Eaton — Preble County Public Health (PCPH) has confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food service worker at a restaurant in Eaton.

According to a press release posted on the PCPH website, persons who have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A who consumed food or drink at Jell's Sports Grill, located at 117 E. Main Street, between May 14 and June 13 should consider getting vaccinated and/or consulting their medical provider.

>>Hepatitis A outbreak in Ohio: what you need to know

PCPH advised the purpose of the release is preventive, and no cases resulting from exposure at the restaurant have been reported. A PCPH investigation of the restaurant resulted in no breach of safe food handling protocol.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) declared a statewide community outbreak of hepatitis A last week, reporting 79 cases associated this year.

According to the ODH, hepatitis A, a vaccine-preventable disease of the liver, is spread from person to person by the "fecal-oral" route, often by inadequate hand washing after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or even from close personal contact with an infected person through sex.

Nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, stomach pain, dark colored urine, light or white colored stool, and jaundice (a yellow color to the eyes or skin) are common symptoms.

>>ODH declares statewide community outbreak of hepatitis A

The incubation period is two to six weeks from exposure to symptoms, according to PCPH.

Contact your health care provider if you believe you may be infected.