Suffolk County health department officials are urging anyone who ate or drank at the Driver’s Seat Restaurant in Southampton this month to get vaccinated this weekend for possible exposure to Hepatitis A.
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is also investigating the case in which an infected individual who worked at the eatery on Jobs Lane between Aug. 6-20, meaning that some patrons can lessen the potential severity of the illness by seeking treatment within two weeks of exposure.
“Preventive treatment is not recommended for individuals potentially exposed before August 16,” the health department said in a news release.
Treatment is offered at Southampton Hospital, 240 Meeting House Lane, in the 3rd Floor Teaching Center 3-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday as well as 3-6 p.m. Tuesday.
Treatment will also be offered at the Suffolk health department’s Great River office, 3500 Sunrise Hwy, Suite 124, form 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Anyone potentially exposed to the virus that causes inflammation of the liver can also receive preventive treatment from their health care provider, officials said.
Symptoms that often appear within 28 days include fever, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark-colored urine and jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A besides supportive care. Exposed pregnant women are urged to consult their doctor.
For additional information or questions about possible exposure, call the Suffolk County Department of Health Services hotline at 631-787-2200 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
