Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Louisville

(Louisville, KY)  Tonight, just after 9:00 pm the Louisville Metro Health Department released the following information in regards to a new Hepatitis A virus case.

Here’s what they are releasing:  “An employee at the Applebee’s restaurant located at 4717 Dixie Highway has been diagnosed with acute hepatitis A. As a result, customers who ate at the restaurant from March 23 to April 12, 2018 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.”

It takes about 15 to 50 days after a person is exposed it the virus. People normally has symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). If you are experiencing any of their symptoms Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

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 Department of Public Health and Wellness recommends anyone working in the hospitality industry, particularly those who serve or prepare food and beverages, protect themselves and others by getting the hepatitis A vaccine. The independent business owners of the Applebee’s restaurants in the state of Kentucky as well as surrounding markets in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee will provide free Hepatitis A vaccinations to their employees.

For more information about hepatitis A visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitis or CDC.gov.

If you have a story idea, send it to Sherlene Shanklin at the411@whas11.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @sherlenemediapr and Instagram @Sherlenemediapro.