Worker at restaurant in Norfolk diagnosed with Hepatitis A virus.(Local) - The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA)

Byline: STEVE STONE

NORFOLK -- BY STEVE STONE AND KATRICE HARDY

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

NORFOLK - People who dined at a local soul food restaurant April 15 through April 18 may need to get shots to protect them from exposure to Hepatitis A.

A food handler employed by Alice Mae's Soul Food restaurant, in the 100 block of Bank St., has been diagnosed with the virus, health officials said Tuesday.

The restaurant was not at fault, said Valerie Stallings, director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. The employee contracted the disease elsewhere.

How the worker became infected is still under investigation, Stallings said.

Only people who consumed corn bread or iced, cold beverages at the restaurant between 5 p.m. and closing on April 15, 16, 17 and 18 are thought to be at risk.

Even those who may have been exposed have a low risk of contracting the disease, Stallings said. Still, it is 'imperative' that anyone affected be vaccinated within two weeks of exposure, she said.

The health department is giving the immunoprophylaxis shots. The cost ranges from $16 to $51, depending on how many shots a person might need. People also may seek the shot from their own health-care provider, Stallings said.

Anyone needing additional information may call the health department at (757) 683-2034 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., today through Friday.

Information also is available through the Web sites for the Virginia Department of Health and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at: www.vdh.virginia.gov or www.cdc.gov.

The Norfolk health department will offer shots for those at risk from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., today through Friday.

Shots also will be available Saturday through Monday, although the hours for those days have not yet been set.

The Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease.

Symptoms may include tiredness, poor appetite, fever and nausea, dark urine and jaundice or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to six weeks after exposure.

{DOUBLE-EDIT} are you at risk?

Only p eople who consumed corn bread or cold beverages at Alice Mae's Soul Food restaurant from April 15 through April 18 are thought to be at risk of contracting Hepatitis A. Contact the Norfolk health department at (757) 683-2034 for more information.