A food handler at Queen Subs on Port Watson Street in Cortland has contracted hepatitis A, the Cortland County Health Department reported Thursday, leading the county to offer a vaccine to people who may have been exposed.
“Although the risk to patrons of Queen Subs is low, out of an abundance of caution, the Cortland County Health Department will offer hepatitis A vaccine to those potentially exposed,” the department announced in a news release. “The hepatitis A vaccine is effective if given within two weeks of exposure.”
The restaurant’s owner and staff are complying with all recommendations from the state and local health departments, the release states.
Anyone who bought food or drink at Queen Subs after July 4 is not risk for exposure.
If you consumed food:
● On June 28, you should receive the hepatitis A vaccine by Friday.
● On July 2, you should receive the hepatitis A vaccine by Tuesday.
● On July 3, you should receive the hepatitis A vaccine by Wednesday.
● Between June 20 and 24, you are already past the window to receive the hepatitis A vaccine, but you should monitor yourself for symptoms.
● And if you already have the hepatitis A vaccine, you are fully protected and no further action is needed.
The county’s clinic will be 1 to 4 p.m. today at the department at room 107 of the County Office Building, 60 Central Ave., Cortland.
The clinic will also be offered 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Register by calling 607-345-1184 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Leave your name and number.
Hepatitis A symptoms commonly appear within 28 days of exposure, with a range of 15 to 50 days. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your healthcare provider:
● Yellow skin or eyes.
● Lack of appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
● Fever.
● Dark urine or light-colored stools.
● Joint pain.
● Fatigue.
Hepatitis A is transmitted by consuming food or drinks or by using utensils that have been handled by an infected person. It may also be spread from person to person by ingesting something that has been contaminated by the infected person. Casual contact, such as sitting together, does not spread the virus.
People who get hepatitis A may feel sick for a few weeks to several months but usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and even death; this is more common in older people and in people with other serious health issues, such as chronic liver disease.
For more information, go to on.ny.gov/467M1yP or follow the Cortland County Health Department on Facebook.
