The Springfield-Green County Health Department says as many as 5,000 customers at a Springfield restaurant could have been exposed to Hepatitis A.
The Department says one worker at the Red Robin on South Glenstone has tested positive for the virus. Those who ate at the restaurant between May 8 and May 11 are urged to get vaccinated.
4,000 doses of vaccine are on the way to Springfield from Memphis, Tennessee and will be administered at clinics this weekend. The vaccine is said to only be effective if given within 14 days. Pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems are urged to visit their doctor.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that can result in sickness ranging from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe symptoms lasting several months. It is easily transmitted from person to person in a food service environment.
The Department says the restaurant is cooperating and has vaccinated other employees.
For details on local vaccination clinics and to view a statement from Red Robin on the incident see this story on the website of our affiliate, KTTS.