There has been a very severe case of hepatitis A infection spread around the United States. It has now been confirmed that almost 150 people have contracted the virus. The state of Kentucky reported its first death in the outbreak which has already killed more than 40 people nationwide.
Kentucky officials are also worried for the Boyd country after some scare reports were given to the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department. They are now concerned that customers of two Waffle House restaurants might be exposed to the contagious virus. Why? Because there was an infected food service worker.
Since this new broke, the Waffle House restaurant owner and employees have cooperated fully with the local and state health officials to identify all employee contacts, according to the county alert. Waffle House employees are receiving post-exposure vaccinations.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by a virus. It can contaminate foods, beverages, surfaces, clothing—often because of inadequate handwashing. Hepatitis A can also be spread by close personal contact with an infected person, including sexual contact and sharing needles.
Do you need to revise your food safety handling techniques to prevent cross-contamination? Is there a contingency plan in place in case of an outbreak?
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