Customers at Gwinnett County restaurant potentially exposed to hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreak in Gwinnett County

A hepatitis A scare comes after officers said a server at a restaurant contracted the virus. It happened at Lolita’s Bar and Grill on Buford Drive in Lawrenceville. The health department is investigating to make sure no customers were exposed.

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Georgia health officials are investigating a case of hepatitis A that was diagnosed in a server at a Gwinnett County restaurant.

Officials say diners who ate at Lolita's Bar and Grill on the 400 block of Buford Drive on Nov. 7 may have been exposed to the virus.

While it is rare that people who had eaten at the restaurant could become infected by the virus, officials say it can be spread when restaurant workers don't wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom.

"Just being around someone and shaking their hand—it’s very easy to be able to get the virus," Dr. Cecil Bennett told FOX 5.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, fever, stomach pain, brown-colored urine, light-colored stools, and the yellowing of the skin or eyes. The symptoms usually appear two to seven weeks after exposure.

The manager at Lolita's Bar and Grill claims the server did not contract the virus there.

Hepatitis A viruses, illustration. Hepatitis A is transmitted through infected food or drink. Symptoms include influenza-like symptoms of fever and sickness, along with jaundice. (CDC)

The Georgia Department of Health says the restaurant is cooperating with the investigation and has thoroughly cleaned and sanitized their building.

Meanwhile, officials are working to track down anyone who may have come in contact with the server.

If you were a patron at Lolita's Bar and Grill between Oct. 24 and Nov. 7, officials say you should visit the Gwinnett County Health Department for a free vaccine if you haven't been vaccinated already. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food, and monitor your health for potential symptoms.

If you have any questions about possible exposure, contact your healthcare provider or the Gwinnett County Health Department at 770-339-4260 (press 0 and ask to speak with the epidemiologist on call).