The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is warning of a possible hepatitis A (hep A) exposure after an employee of the Red Lobster, at 7401 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith, tested positive for the virus.
Hep A is a contagious liver disease. This case appears to be related to travel outside of the state and is not thought to be part of the current hep A outbreak in Northeast Arkansas, according to a news release.
Anyone who ate at this facility from July 19 to August 4 should seek vaccination immediately if they have never been vaccinated against hep A or are unsure of their vaccination status. There are no specific treatments once a person gets hep A. Illness can be prevented even after exposure by getting the vaccine or medicine called immune globulin. This medicine contains antibodies to hep A. The vaccine and medicine works best if given within two weeks of exposure to the virus. However, if it has been more than two weeks since potential exposure but symptoms have not yet developed, the vaccine may still be given.
The Department of Health has scheduled two free hepatitis A vaccination clinics. Clinics will take place at Ben Geren Park, 7700 S. Zero St., in Fort Smith at the community storm shelter:
• Friday, Aug. 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• Saturday, Aug. 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Clients should enter from the west side of the park near the Parrot Island entrance. The vaccine will be provided to the public free, however people should bring their insurance cards and driver’s licenses if they have the. The hep A vaccine is safe and effective. Vaccines are also available at many pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
Details: www.healthy.arkansas.gov.