DEPTFORD, N.J. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880/KYW Newsradio) — A worker at an Olive Garden in Deptford, New Jersey, tested positive for hepatitis A. Officials from the Gloucester County Department of Health (GCDOH) are urging diners to get vaccinated, if they haven't already, according to an announcement on Thursday.
Health authorities confirmed that the employee worked while infected at the Olive Garden, located at 1500 Almonesson Road, between Dec. 26 and 30.
Hepatitis A is a viral illness with symptoms that include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, poor appetite, jaundice and dark urine. These symptoms typically appear two to seven weeks after exposure, the GCDOH said.
Those who have been vaccinated against hepatitis A are not at risk.
While the risk for the unvaccinated remains low, hepatitis A can be prevented, or its impact reduced, through vaccination within two weeks of exposure. The vaccine can be obtained from a health care provider or a pharmacy with a prescription, officials said.
The GCDOH is working with the restaurant to provide vaccinations to potentially exposed and unvaccinated workers.
The Olive Garden received a satisfactory rating from the GCDOH on March 17, 2023, and received a satisfactory rating when it was reinspected on Jan. 10.
A spokesperson for Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden, said it is unaware of anyone else becoming ill. It is working with officials to ensure all necessary sanitary measures are in place. The employee will not return to work until cleared by a medical professional.
If residents have questions or concerns, they can call 856-218-4151 or visit the GCDOH website.