CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Mecklenburg County health officials are urging customers of one Hardee's location to receive a hepatitis A vaccination as soon as possible following a possible public outbreak.

Overall, five new cases have been confirmed, bringing the total to 12 for the entire year. 

One of these five worked at the Hardee's location. Any of the 4,000 customers who ate at the restaurant located on Little Rock Road between June 13 and 23 should get vaccinated, officials say. Public health director Gibbie Harris says the restaurant is closing Tuesday.

“According to the CDC, the vaccine must be given within 14 days of exposure for the vaccine to be effective,” she said.

However, it is encouraged that patrons get the vaccination within the next two days.

A Hardee's employee was diagnosed with the contagious liver disease Monday.

The five additional cases were reported after June 6, when the outbreak was declared.

There are now 10 confirmed cases since April 20.

Symptoms include nausea, fever, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, gray feces, joint pain, feeling tired, loss of appetite and stomach pain.

 

 Where to get vaccinated:
  • Wednesday, June 27 from 8 a.m. – 7.p.m, and Thursday, June 28 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Northwest Health Department, 2845 Beatties Ford Rd. and Southeast Health Department, 249 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte.
  • Friday, June 29 from 3 p.m. – 8p.m. at the Hal Marshall Building, 700 N. Tryon St., Charlotte.
  • Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Hal Marshall Building, 700 N. Tryon St, Charlotte
How to prevent hepatitis A:
  • Get the hepatitis A vaccine
  • Practice safe hand washing procedures – wash your hands under warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before you prepare food
  • Wear a condom during sexual activity

For more information about hepatitis A, visit meckhealth.org.

 

 

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