Domino’s Pizza And Old Chicago Restaurant Employees Diagnosed With Hepatitis A

An employee of Domino’s Pizza at 10000 Brownsboro Rd. and an employee of Old Chicago Pizza and Tap Room at 9013 Taylorsville Rd. have been diagnosed with acute hepatitis A.

Customers who ate at this Domino’s from April 15, 2018 to April 28, 2018 and customers who ate at this Old Chicago from April 21, 2018 to May 5, 2018 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.  While the risk of contracting hepatitis A from eating at either of these restaurants is low, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is issuing this advisory out of an abundance of caution.  The hepatitis A outbreak remains centered among the homeless and those who use drugs.

When a food service worker is diagnosed with hepatitis A, he or she is immediately excluded from work and not allowed to return without release from his or her medical provider.  Additionally, all employees at the establishment are vaccinated and disinfection and sanitation practices are followed. Domino’s scored 100 and 98-A on its last two health inspections.  Old Chicago scored 96-A and 95-A on its last two health inspections.

Symptoms of hepatitis A are fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). People can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by putting something in your mouth such as an object, food or drink, which has been in contact with the feces of an infected person. In November, the Kentucky Department for Public Health declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak. Since the outbreak began there have been 327 cases diagnosed in Louisville and nearly 27,000 vaccinated.

“While we have had a very small number of food workers diagnosed with hepatitis A in our community, there still has been NO foodborne transmission,” said Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director.  “Also, our restaurant industry has really stepped up to the plate to get their workers immunized.  About 5,000 local food service employees have been vaccinated against hepatitis A.”

The best ways to prevent hepatitis A infection are to get vaccinated and to practice good handwashing. “Washing your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap, especially before preparing meals or eating, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper is a proven way to prevent the spread of diseases,” Dr. Caloia added.  “Hand sanitizer is not as effective as hand washing against hepatitis A.”

For more information about hepatitis A visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitis  or call 211.  Old Chicago Pizza and Tap Room customers with questions may also call the restaurant’s tollfree hotline at 1-844-944-0444.