Austin Texas health officials are alerting the public about possible hepatitis A exposure at a Whataburger in Central Austin. A restaurant employee there at the 2800 Guadalupe St. location has been diagnosed with the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that is usually spread when a person ingests something that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person, including contaminated food or water.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A can include the following

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored bowel movement
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Signs and symptoms usually appear two- to four weeks after exposure, although they may happen up to two- to seven weeks after exposure. Children under 6 years of age with hepatitis A often do not have, or show few, signs and symptoms. Children, however, are least likely to get sick because they are typically immunized.

While health officials say transmission of the infection to customers is not likely, the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department is recommending people contact their doctor if they ate at that specific Whataburger between August 7 and Tuesday and fit the following criteria:

  • are 75 years old or older
  • are immune-compromised
  • have chronic liver disease or have had a liver transplant
  • have clotting-factor disorders
  • are experiencing hepatitis A symptoms

If you do not fall into these risk categories but are still worried or are needing more guidance, officials say you should visit your doctor or call the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department at 512-972-4372.

Signs and symptoms usually appear two- to four weeks after exposure, although they may happen up to two- to seven weeks after exposure. Children under 6 years of age with hepatitis A often do not have, or show few, signs and symptoms. Children, however, are least likely to get sick because they are typically immunized.