The Health Department has learned that an employee at the Taco Bell in Oneida, NY is presumed positive for Hepatitis A. This employee worked while infectious and may have exposed people who consumed food from the restaurant from June 23 to July 3.
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver, and symptoms like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is spread through food and water that has been contaminated with the virus and through close personal contact with someone who has the virus.
The Hepatitis A vaccine is effective in preventing symptomatic infection if given within two weeks of exposure.
The Health Department is advising anyone who consumed food prepared at Taco Bell in Oneida on the following dates and times and who has not already received the Hepatitis A vaccine get the vaccine within 14 days of exposure.
- June 26 – 3 pm – midnight (need vaccination by 7/10)
- June 30 – 2 pm – 10 pm (need vaccination by 7/14)
- July 1 – 11 am – 7 pm (need vaccination by 7/15)
- July 3 – 6 pm – 11 pm (need vaccination by 7/16)
If you consumed food prepared by Taco Bell in Oneida on these dates and times and need a Hepatitis A vaccination, you may make an appointment for the Madison County Health Department’s Hepatitis A vaccination clinics online at http://www.health.ny.gov/Go2Clinic/27. The clinics will be held by appointment-only at the Oneida High School on Seneca Street in Oneida from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday, July 10, Saturday, July 11, and Monday, July 13. Due to COVID-19, along with an appointment, a face covering is required to enter the building.
Please note if you visited the Taco Bell on June 23, 24, or 25 the window for vaccination is over. Please monitor yourself for symptoms. According to the CDC, symptoms of Hepatitis A include:
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Lack of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Dark urine or light-colored stools
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Symptoms commonly appear within 28 days of exposure, and can take as long as 50 days to appear. If you have any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor.
If you have already received the 2-dose Hepatitis A vaccine series spaced 6 months apart, you have lifelong protection and do not need another Hepatitis A vaccination.
Schedule your Hepatitis A vaccination appointment online at
http://www.health.ny.gov/Go2Clinic/27. If you have any questions or are not able to register for an appointment online, call 315-366-2361 (Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm).