Mecklenburg County Public Health officials reported Sunday that an employee at Dogwood Southern Table and Bar, located at 4905 Ashley Park Lane in Charlotte, was confirmed to have a case of the hepatitis A virus. The employee did not prepare food, but was responsible for cleaning and polishing silverware and drinkware and delivering food to tables.
Health Department officials advise that all staff members and patrons of this establishment who visited the restaurant on the dates and times listed below may be at risk for developing hepatitis A if they have not been previously vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine. Health Department officials say that the risk of secondary infection is very low, but want to make sure that anyone eating at the restaurant is aware of the case.
The dates and times of concern include:
- Tuesday, Feb. 3, dinner service, last day to immunize is Tuesday, Feb. 17
- Wednesday, Feb. 4, dinner service, last day to immunize is Wednesday, Feb. 18
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from amild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.
Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by feces or stool from an infected person.
Not everyone has symptoms. If symptoms develop, they usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after becoming infected and can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice.
There is no specific treatment once symptoms appear, but a vaccination can help lessen the effects of the disease if given within 14 days of exposure. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
The best way to control the spread of hepatitis A and many other illnesses is through proper hand washing, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Hand washing should include 20 seconds of vigorous soaping of all parts of the hands, especially between fingers and under fingernails.
