Local News
Hepatitis A Case Identified in Poplar Bluff, Missouri
January 25th 2018 by Dee Loflin
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Butler County Health Department are investigating a case of Hepatitis A identified in a food handler that worked while potentially contagious at a Poplar Bluff restaurant.
Anyone who ate at the Huddle House in Poplar Bluff between January 3, 2018 and January 17, 2018, should watch for symptoms of Hepatitis A.
According to the release from the department, they are taking necessary measures to decrease the spread of the illness.
Customers who ate at the restaurant during the time frame should seek medical care if they have symptoms.
Symptoms develop between two and seven weeks after exposure and can include:
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Clay-colored stools
Joint pain
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Members of the public or providers with patients who are concerned about a potential exposure can call Butler County Health Department at 573-785-8478 or the Stoddard County Health Center at 573-568-4593.
Anyone can get vaccinated especially those working in the food industry. Again it is not a requirement or state law in Missouri that food handler/preparation employees receive the vaccination.
Ways to get the vaccine:
1. Contact your Insurance Company and see if the vaccination is covered.
2. Contact your provider/doctor and see if they carry the vaccination.
3. Contact the local health department and see if they carry the vaccination.
The Stoddard County Public Health Department does have the Hepatitis A vaccination available and it is a series of two shots six months apart. The cost is $80 for both a vaccination and booster.
Last Updated on January 25th 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v9l0/Hepatitis-A-Case-Identified-in-Poplar-Bluff-Missouri
