NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Public Health Department officials warned the public about a confirmed case of hepatitis A at the Outback Steakhouse Restaurant in the Rivergate area on Gallatin Pike.
Officials said one of the employees was diagnosed with acute hepatitis A. The restaurant employee worked at the restaurant while symptomatic December 22 – 24, 2018.
The Metro Public Health Department said they will open a special clinic to offer free Hepatitis A vaccine at the Lentz Public Health Center (2500 on the following dates and times to those who dined at that location on December 22 – 24. The potential exposure occurred only at Outback Steakhouse Restaurant’s Rivergate location. Individuals who dined at the restaurant on those dates have until January 7th to be vaccinated.
The potential exposure occurred only at Outback Steakhouse Restaurant’s Rivergate location. Individuals who dined at the restaurant on those dates have until January 7th to be vaccinated.
Hepatitis A Vaccination Clinic
Lentz Public Health Center
2500 Charlotte Ave.
Nashville, Tennessee
- January 3rd – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- January 4th - 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- January 5th from -- 10am – 2 p.m.
- January 7th – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Symptoms of hepatitis A are fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). People can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.
Metro Public Health Department officials have confirmed 161 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Nashville since December 2017.
The Health Department continues to lead a hepatitis A vaccine campaign, along with community partners and the Tennessee Department of Health. The Health Department and our community partners have vaccinated nearly 9,000 people in Nashville since the outbreak was announced in late May. The total vaccinated does not include vaccine given by private providers.
Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by putting something in your mouth such as an object, food or drink, which has been in contact with the feces of an infected person. The best ways to prevent hepatitis A infection are to get vaccinated and to practice good handwashing to remove germs. For more information about hepatitis A visit health.nashville.gov.
Outback Steakhouse has set up an information phone number for those who have questions call 800-354-4192.
The restaurant released the following statement:
In response to an employee confirmed with Hepatitis A at the Outback Steakhouse Rivergate located at 1560 Gallatin Pike N., Madison, officials at Outback Steakhouse are working with the Metro Public Health Department as follows: Offering vaccinations for all Outback Rivergate employees beginning tomorrow morning at 10 am. No one will work who has not been vaccinated. The restaurant is being thoroughly sanitized. Retraining all employees regarding the signs and symptoms, prevention, handwashing. The health and safety of our customers and our employees is our top priority. We work hard to provide a relaxing dining experience in a clean and safe environment. This is isolated to the Rivergate location only, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers. To contact Outback Steakhouse, please call 800-354-4192.
