A worker with Hepatitis A allegedly exposed lots of diners to the disease in Waterlook, N.Y.
A customer has filed a lawsuit against a Waterloo, New York McDonald’s on allegations that a worker who had hepatitis A prepared food and drinks there.
The disease, which can result in deadly liver infections, was confirmed in a food service worker at the McDonald’s by the Seneca County Health Department on Nov. 13, according to a Reuters report.
As a result, a customer filed a lawsuit in Seneca County against Jascor Inc., the operator of that particular McDonald’s, and it seeks class-action status for all customers who may have been affected.
Health officials said customers were at a low risk of getting the disease. However, they did say that customers who ate at the McDonald’s on Nov. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 should get checked out if they haven’t been vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Christopher Welch, who filed the lawsuit, said he consumed products from that location on one of those days. Contamination can happen if a worker who has hepatitis A doesn’t properly wash his or her hands after using the restroom.
A statement was posted on the Seneca County website describing how to spot a possible hepatitis A infection:
“Are there specific dates when this individual worked while possibly infectious? There are no special treatments for Hepatitis A. Most people with Hepatitis A will feel sick for a few months before they begin to feel better,” the statement reads. “A few people will need to be hospitalized. During this time, doctors usually recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. People with Hepatitis A should check with a health professional before taking any prescription pills, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, which can potentially damage the liver. Alcohol should be avoided.
“If I get Hepatitis A, when will symptoms start? Almost all people who get Hepatitis A recover completely and do not have any lasting liver damage, although they may feel sick for months,” it continues. “Hepatitis A can sometimes cause liver failure and death, although this is rare and occurs more commonly in persons 50 years of age or older and persons with other liver diseases, such as Hepatitis B or C.”
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