Burger King customers offered hepatitis vaccine after possible exposure
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Hepatitis A vaccine will be offered on Monday to customers of a Burger King on the city’s southwest side, the Marion County health department said Thursday.
Patrons of the restaurant at 3311 S. Kentucky Ave., near the intersection of Kentucky Avenue and Mann Road, may have been exposed to the virus that inflames the liver, the Marion County Public Health Department said in a news release Thursday. The virus is spread by fecal-oral transmission.
People who ate at the Burger King from Jan. 21-24 are encouraged to get the vaccine for free during a special clinic. It will be open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday at the department’s office at 7551 S. Shelby St. That’s off U.S. 31 near the Greenwood Place Shopping Center.
People who ate at the restaurant prior to Jan. 21 should watch for any signs or symptoms of hepatitis A. If symptoms are present, people should contact their health care provider immediately.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever and the yellowing of the skin or eyes. Not all infected people will show all of the symptoms, and some people – especially children – may have no symptoms at all. However, infected persons can transmit the disease to others. Hepatitis A vaccine is required in Indiana for children in certain grade levels.
The department said Burger King has cooperated with recommendations on cleaning and disinfecting the restaurant. The department has allowed the restaurant to remain open but continue to monitor its operations.
Currently, Indiana and some surrounding states are experiencing higher than normal cases of hepatitis A. Hand washing before eating or preparing food remains one of the best ways to prevent hepatitis A, said Dr. Virginia A. Caine, director of the department.
Questions can be directed to the department at (317) 221-5501.