The CDC is notifying all customers of a Hardee’s Hepatitis A outbreak affecting a Columbia, South Carolina location. Customers who ate at Hardee’s at 451 Killian Road in Richland County between June 4 and June 20, 2019, are at risk of hepatitis A virus exposure.

About Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation and affect your liver’s ability to function. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water or from close contact with an infected person or object. However, signs of infection do not appear for several weeks. These include fatigue, sudden nausea, abdominal pain, clay-colored bowel movements, loss of appetite, fever, dark urine, joint pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Hardee’s Hepatitis A Outbreak

Government agencies are working with Hardee’s to investigate how many people could be exposed after a food handler revealed the Hepatitis A infection. The handler could have spread the virus up to two weeks before they even knew of the sickness. However, this isn’t a foodborne outbreak. Since Hepatitis A is a viral inflammation of the liver, many don’t feel sick for weeks after exposure.
The CDC is urging customers to seek post-exposure vaccinations for those who never received a vaccine. People who ate food prepared at the restaurant between June 10 and June 20, 2019, may contact their medical provider or pharmacy about post-exposure treatment. In South Carolina, many adults can also ask a pharmacist for a vaccine without a prescription. However, those effects need to receive it within 14 days after exposure.

If Injured by the Outbreak

Food poisoning lawsuits play an important role in keeping food systems safe. These lawsuits hold negligent corporations accountable. Plus, it shows lawmakers that food safety is imperative.  When outbreaks caused by bacteria or viruses injure people, most of the time it is from a manufacturer is negligent. The company is fully aware of its potentially dangerous practices and do not correct it. Thus, companies endanger customers’ lives.