April 14, 2018
ASHLAND, KY (WOWK) – The Ashland-Boyd County Health Department says that a food prep worker at the Texas Roadhouse in Ashland, Kentucky has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
The ABCHD says that the employee prepared only fried food during the infectious period, March 20th through April 12th, 2018. The food was fried at a temperature greater than 185o F, therefore, making the potential exposure in the “Low Risk” category.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states it can take up to 50 days from exposure to hepatitis A for symptoms to develop.
Texas Roadhouse released the following statement:
“…Texas Roadhouse is committed to the health and safety of our employees and guests and working closely with the health department. The health department has stated that this is a very low-risk exposure. In addition, all Texas Roadhouse employees are required to wear gloves. Also, as an added precaution, no employee will be allowed to work until they receive a vaccination or show proof that they have been vaccinated. Texas Roadhouse is providing the vaccination to all employees.
In addition to the shots, we have set-up a dedicated toll-free phone line for those who may have questions or issues. we encourage our guests and the public to reach out at 1-844-617-8241 from 8 am to 8 pm ET.”
There is a two-week window for an exposed individual to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine. Hepatitis A vaccine given more than 14 days after a known exposure to hepatitis A virus may not be effective in preventing hepatitis A. In addition, persons in the community who wish to prevent hepatitis A disease from a future exposure should be immunized as a preventive measure. The last date for the post-exposure vaccine is April 26th, 2018.
Texas Roadhouse Corporate and local management and employees have cooperated fully with the local and state health officials to identify all employee contacts. Employees are only allowed to work if they have received the Hepatitis A vaccine. In addition, Texas Roadhouse would like the public to know that the infected individual did not have any contact with bread, salads or desserts.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their physician or seek other medical attention.
Anyone with possible exposure and not experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider, pharmacy or the health department for a post-exposure hepatitis A vaccine.
For many the Hepatitis A vaccine is covered through insurance as a preventive service. Individuals should contact their insurance provider to determine if their insurance will cover the vaccine. Private physicians, pharmacies, same day clinics and etc. should have vaccine available.
