The Sarasota County Health Department (CHD) has identified a case of Hepatitis A in a food service worker in Sarasota. Following laboratory confirmation on July 3, Sarasota CHD immediately began conducting an epidemiological investigation and today determined that the individual worked at Piccolo Italian Market & Deli located at 6518 Gateway Avenue while infectious.

If you frequented this restaurant between June 21st to June 29th and have not previously been vaccinated for Hepatitis A, you should consider being vaccinated at your local county health department or primary care physician’s office. You will receive the first dose of the vaccine, with a second dose being administered six months later. If you have previously received the Hepatitis A vaccine, you do not need to take additional action.

Sarasota CHD is offering the vaccine at their main office – 2200 Ringling Blvd in Sarasota – from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

There will also be a FREE Hepatitis A vaccination event for patrons exposed between June 21st and June 29th:

Sarasota County Health Department, 2200 Ringling Blvd in Sarasota
July 6 – 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Hepatitis A vaccine may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Patrons should monitor for symptoms of Hepatitis A infection which include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, fever diarrhea, pale white stools and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

Individuals with questions about Hepatitis A can call the Sarasota CHD at (941) 861-2873 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A. People who should be vaccinated include:

  • All children at age one year
  • People who are experiencing homelessness
  • Users of recreational drugs, whether injected or not
  • Men who have sexual encounters with other men
  • People with direct contact with others who have Hepatitis A
  • Travelers to countries where Hepatitis A is common
  • People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
  • People with clotting-factor disorders
  • Family and caregivers of adoptees from countries where Hepatitis A is common

Hepatitis A:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $650 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Costco, Subway, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Quiznos and Carl’s Jr.  We proudly represented the family of Donald Rockwell, who died after consuming hepatitis A tainted food and Richard Miller, who required a liver transplant after eating food at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.