Outbreaks
Dixie Donuts Hepatitis A Exposure
Patrons of the Dixie Donuts restaurant in Wilkesboro, NC were encouraged to receive hepatitis A vaccination on May 17, 2012, after an employee at the Dixie Donuts was diagnosed with hepatitis A.The Dixie Donuts employee worked while infectious, according to the Wilkes County Health Department, which held walk-in clinics for customers who ate food prepared at Dixie Donuts on the following dates:
May 8, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
May 9, between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
May 10, between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
May 12, between 2p.m. and 8 p.m.
Hepatitis A infection is characterized by fever, malaise, loss of appetite, and general flu-like symptoms. After several days of illness, jaundice--a yellowing of the skin and eyes--typically sets in. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection typically appear 2 to 7 weeks after exposure to the virus. Hepatitis A vaccine is effective in reducing the risk of infection if it is administered within 14 days of exposure to the virus.