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