The Cumberland Valley District Health confirmed on Friday that a McDonald’s employee tested positive for hepatitis A.
The McDonald’s is located on Muddy Gap Road. In a release, health officials said that the employee did not handle food directly and was in a customer service position.
Health officials said the transmission risk to employees and customers at the store is low. However, anyone who ate at the McDonald’s in Manchester between October 30th and November 16th can seek further protection from becoming ill by getting a Hepatitis A vaccination. All employees have been offered the hepatitis A vaccine. The vaccine should be taken within two weeks of possible exposure.
Management voluntarily closed the restaurant on Friday for a thorough cleaning and sanitation. Our reporter on the scene said people were already cleaning inside the building and there is yellow tape surrounding the entire location.
Anyone who consumed food or drinks at McDonald’s in Manchester from October 30th through November 16th is also asked to:
1. Monitor their health for symptoms of hepatitis A infection up to 50 days after exposure.
2. Wash their hands with soap and warm water frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
3. Stay at home and contact their healthcare provider immediately if symptoms of hepatitis A infection develop.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can cause loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach pain, brown colored urine, and light-colored stools. Yellowing of the skin or eyes may also appear. People can become ill up to 7 weeks after being exposed to the virus.