According to the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, a hepatitis A infection has been reported for a food service worker at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs. While located at Walt Disney World, the location is operated by the Patina Group and not by Disney.
Important Information:
- Anyone who consumed food and/or beverages at the location between November 6 – 16, 2018 could be exposed to the virus and need to be vaccinated
- Concerned guests should call 877-404-3821 to leave their information and a call-back number, or they may call DOH’s epidemiology program at 407-858-1420 for further information
- The agency will offer free vaccines to uninsured Orange County residents by appointment at two locations:
- 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, FL 32809 (for ages 19 and older only) (407) 723-5054
- 832 W. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 858-1444
Statement from Morimoto Asia:
“The health, well-being and safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. We are working closely with the health department to ensure the restaurant follows all recommended procedures to protect our guests and employees. For additional information about this notice, please contact the Department of Health Orange County Epidemiology Program at (407) 858-1420.”
About Hepatitis A:
- There have been a record number of locally-acquired cases this year in Orange County with 45.
- That is a 3000% increase over the prior 5-year average of 1.4 cases per year.
- Hepatitis A virus causes an illness that affects the liver, and is usually transmitted person-to-person through the fecal-oral route or eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- People are at increased risk of getting hepatitis A when they have been in close and continuous contact with an infected person, particularly sharing a household or sexual activity.
- Symptoms include feeling tired, fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellow eyes and skin (jaundice), pale-colored feces, pain in the abdomen, joint pain, and nausea and vomiting.