Patrons encouraged to get vaccinated after Arby's worker tests positive for hepatitis A

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The Florida Department of Health said a restaurant worker in Clearwater has tested positive for hepatitis A. Now they are encouraging anyone who visited the Arby's location to get vaccinated due to possible exposure.

A food service worker at the Arby's restaurant, located at 30263 U.S. Highway 19 N, tested positive for the highly contagious disease, according to the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County.

Health officials said the individual worked at the restaurant between April 5 and April 20 and may have been infectious.

Anyone who visited the restaurant during that period of time should get the hepatitis A vaccination. Those who have previously received the vaccine do not need another one.

The Department of Health said the vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes), fever, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, dark-colored urin, or pale or clay-colored stool.

A special hepatitis A vaccination clinic will be open at the Department of Health's Clearwater location at 310 N Myrtle Ave. on Friday, May 3 until 7 p.m. and on Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Department of Health said it will continue to offer the hepatitis A vaccine at no cost and without an appointment at the following clinic locations on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

-St. Petersburg: 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N
-Pinellas Park: 6350 76th Ave. N
-Mid-County (Largo): 8751 Ulmerton Rd
-Clearwater: 310 N. Myrtle Ave
-Tarpon Springs: 301 S. Disston Ave