Health department warns of possible Hepatitis A exposure at Center City restaurant

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued a warning Friday after they confirmed a person who works at an Italian restaurant in Center City has acute Hepatitis A.

Officials recommend anyone who visited Ristorante La Buca between October 28 and November 15 receive a Hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible after a person who works at the restaurant contracted the virus.
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The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is through vaccination, according to health officials.

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People who need the Hepatitis A vaccine should contact their healthcare provider's office or visit a pharmacy.
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Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. It can spread when a person who has the virus does not wash their hands very thoroughly after using the bathroom and then prepares food. People infected with Hepatitis A usually develop symptoms two to six weeks after they had contact with the virus, officials said.

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Officials said symptoms can range from mild cases of diarrhea and vomiting to more severe symptoms of jaundice. Other symptoms include fever, low energy, stomach pain, and dark urine.