Employee at Piccolo Italian Market in Sarasota tests positive for hepatitis A

A food service worker at Piccolo Italian Market and Deli in Sarasota has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, according to the Sarasota County Health Department.

Anyone who ate at the restaurant between June 21 and June 29 may have been exposed, according to health officials. The restaurant is located at 6518 Gateway Ave in Sarasota.

Officials said the employee may have been infectious during those dates. Anyone who consumed food or drinks at the restaurant and has not been vaccinated for hepatitis A should consider getting vaccinated, they said. However, those who have previously received the hepatitis A vaccine "do not need to take additional action," according to a press release.

The Sarasota County Health Department is offering free vaccinations at their main office on July 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The clinic is located at 2200 Ringling Boulevard.

The hepatitis A vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. 

Symptoms of hepatitis A include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, fever, diarrhea, pale white stools, and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention. 

Anyone with questions can call the Sarasota County Health Department at 941-861-2873.