Hepatitis A case confirmed at Newark restaurant

NEWARK, Ohio–The Licking County Health Department has identified a confirmed case of Hepatitis A in a food worker at the Little Caesars Pizza location in Newark.

Only one case has been identified, which does not constitute an outbreak, and after review of the food handling processes at the facility, the department has determined the issue represents a very low risk to public health.

The facility closed voluntarily on July 30, 2019, in order to conduct extensive cleaning and facility repairs, and LCHD has worked with the facility to schedule a clinic to offer Hepatitis A vaccinations to all of the facility’s staff members. These steps were taken out of an abundance of caution, and the facility has been fully cooperative during this investigation.

The CDC indicates that foodborne Hepatitis A outbreaks are uncommon.The most common way Hepatitis A is spread is from ingesting something that has come into contact with the feces from an infected person. The Ohio Administrative Code requires that a person with hepatitis A who works in a sensitive occupation shall be excluded from work in the sensitive occupation until ten days after initial onset of symptoms.

For more information regarding Hepatitis A, visit www.lickingcohealth.org