Possible Hepatitis A Exposure at Indianapolis Restaurant
For Immediate Release
January 31, 2019
Indianapolis – The Marion County Public Health Department reports that recent customers of Burger King at 3311 S. Kentucky Ave. in Indianapolis, near the intersection of Kentucky Avenue and Mann Road, may have been exposed to hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that inflames the liver and is spread by fecal-oral transmission.
Burger King has cooperated with the Marion County Public Health Department’s investigation and its recommendations on how to properly clean and disinfect the restaurant. The health department has approved the restaurant to remain open and will continue to monitor its operations.
In response to the possible hepatitis A exposure, the Marion County Public Health Department urges anyone who ate at the restaurant on Jan. 21-24, 2019 to get the hepatitis A vaccine by Monday, Feb. 4.
Hepatitis A vaccine given within two weeks of exposure to the virus can prevent the disease. The vaccine is available through doctor’s offices and pharmacies. The Marion County Public Health Department will also offer the vaccine for free during a special clinic on Monday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the health department’s South District Health Office, 7551 S. Shelby St.
Those who ate at the restaurant prior to Jan. 21, 2019 should monitor for any signs or symptoms of hepatitis A and contact their health care provider immediately if any symptoms are present. These include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Not all infected persons will exhibit all of these symptoms, and some – especially children – may have no symptoms at all. However, all infected persons can transmit the disease to others.
Hepatitis A vaccine is currently required by schools in Indiana for certain grade levels. Parents are encouraged to check their child’s vaccination record to verify their vaccination status.
Currently, Indiana and some surrounding states are experiencing higher than normal cases of hepatitis A.
Marion County Public Health Department Director Virginia A. Caine, M.D., wants to emphasize that proper hand washing remains one of the best way to prevent hepatitis A. Thorough hand washing after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food can help decrease the risk of contracting the virus.
Anyone with questions about their risk of possible exposure should call the Marion County Public Health Department at (317) 221-5501.
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Media Contact:
Curt Brantingham
Media/Public Information Coordinator
317-221-2316 (o) │ 317-525-7450 (c)
