The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is recommending vaccinations for all residents of Greene County ages 19-60 because of an ongoing hepatitis A (hep A) outbreak, according to a news release.
On Aug. 13, the ADH warned of a possible hepatitis A (hep A) exposure after an employee of the Ironhorse Barbeque, 2108 Linwood Drive, in Paragould, tested positive for the virus. Hep A is a contagious liver disease that can be prevented by a vaccination. Anyone who ate at this facility from July 25 to Aug. 10 should seek vaccination immediately if they have never been vaccinated against hep A or are unsure of their vaccination status.
“Northeast Arkansas continues to be heavily affected by an ongoing hepatitis A (hep A) outbreak,” according to the news release.
“This restaurant (Ironhorse Barbeque) worked proactively with the ADH by encouraging vaccination of their employees prior to this potential exposure,” said Dr. Dirk Haselow, state epidemiologist. “ADH is not aware of any ongoing risk in this restaurant at this time. Risk of getting hep A in a restaurant setting is low. Restaurants must follow ADH protocols for hand washing and glove use, and employees are not to return to work until they are no longer sick.”
Previously, ADH warned of a possible hep A exposure after an employee of Little Caesar’s Pizza at 1731 West Kingshighway in Paragould, tested positive for the virus. Anyone who ate at this facility from July 19 to Aug. 2 should seek medical attention. Also, ADH warned of a possible hep A exposure after an employee of the Red Lobster, at 7401 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith, tested positive for the virus. Anyone who ate at this facility from July 19 to Aug. 4 should seek medical attention, according to news releases.
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“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 and works best if given within two weeks of exposure to the virus,” according to the release. “Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek care immediately. Typical symptoms of hep A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months, and can occasionally cause death.”
Vaccine will be available this week in Greene County at the following public clinics:
On Tuesday, Aug. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Greene Co. Health Unit at 801 Goldsmith Road in Paragould.
On Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Paragould Community Center at 3404 Linwood Dr. in Paragould.
On Thursday and Friday, Aug.16-17, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Eastside Baptist Church at 529 East Court Street in Paragould.
The vaccine will be provided to the public free. People should bring their insurance card and driver’s license if they have one.
Details: www.healthy.arkansas.gov.