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While still under investigation, just how the hepatitis A virus was transmitted to restaurant patrons is becoming clear. An employee at the McDonald’s restaurant was diagnosed with hepatitis A, yet continued to work as a food handler for 7 days most likely spreading the virus to McDonald’s customers. An additional McDonald’s employee was diagnosed with hepatitis A on June 17, but health officials claim to have not known about that case until July 13.
Illinois public health officials will hold a free clinic at Rock Island High School to immunize individuals who may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus. The following information regarding clinic times was taken from the Illinois Department of Public Health announcement (Hepatitis A Rock Island County Illinois):
When: Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. Additional clinics will be held if needed.
Where: Rock Island High School, 1400 25th Avenue, Rock Island, IL
What: Hepatitis A vaccinations and immune globulin will be administered at no charge.
Who: Eligible recipients are those with the following criteria:
Consumed food or beverages at McDonald’s Restaurant in Milan, IL
**** From July 6 through July 10 and July 13 and 14, 2009****
Those eating on July 11 and 12 were not exposed
Those who consumed products from this restaurant during this time period will receive either hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin, not both.
- Ages 1-40 years will receive hepatitis A vaccine
- Under one year of age, and over 40 years of age will receive immune globulin
If you believe that you may have been sickened in this outbreak, it is important to contact your doctor.
Hepatitis A is a virus that can be carried on the hands of an infected person who does not wash his or her hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. Infection is also possible by direct contact with a person who does not practice good hygiene, or by consuming food or drink handled by an infected person.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and sometimes fever. Urine may become darker and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) may occur. Symptoms can appear from 15 to 50 days after exposure. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor or a medical professional. However, persons infected with hepatitis A may exhibit no hepatitis A symptoms, yet they still have the potential to infect others with the hepatitis A virus.
The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg currently represents individuals sickened in fast food restaurant food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. We are ready to help you. If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis A, are awaiting medical confirmation fo infection, or have a question regarding you legal rights, please click Free Legal Case Evaluation, or call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274.
To return to the homepage, see Hepatitis A Lawsuits.
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