A food service worker at Walt Disney World’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was diagnosed with hepatitis A last week, local health officials confirmed Monday.
“The affected cast member has not been working since being diagnosed and will not be returning until officially cleared by the Department of Health,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement.
“We are not aware of anyone else getting sick and will continue to work with the Department of Health to ensure all appropriate processes are in place to protect our cast members and guests. I have,” she added.
Restaurants remain open.
The theme park has made hepatitis A vaccine available to cast members and is thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting venue restaurants.
It’s the second time in months that an Orlando food worker has been diagnosed with hepatitis A. A food service worker at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs was diagnosed with the virus in November.
“We want the public to be aware of something. [hepatitis A] Kent Donahue, spokesman for the Orange County Health Department, said: “Hepatitis A is highly contagious and affects the liver.”
Orange County has had 111 cases of hepatitis A in the past year. This compares with an annual average of 1.4 cases over the past five years, according to the Department of Health.
About half of the individuals infected in the past year have been drug users, and nearly 40% are also infected with hepatitis B and C, health officials say. The majority — 85% — are hospitalized.
This outbreak mirrors what is happening in Florida and several other parts of the country. Hepatitis A cases have increased nationwide since 2016. At least 15 states have reported outbreaks since last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Homeless people, drug users, and men who have sex with men are at highest risk of contracting the virus, which is spread via the fecal-oral route, including contaminated food and sexual contact.
In response, the Department of Health rolled out several vaccination outreach events, including a five-day program this month at the Orange County Jail where more than 2,300 inmates were vaccinated. The agency also works with the Homeless Coalition to vaccinate vulnerable populations.
The best way to prevent hepatitis A infection is to get vaccinated. Two doses of this vaccine, six months apart, are recommended and provide lifelong protection against the virus.
Vaccines are not required but recommended for Florida babies and children.
Health officials say the following people should be vaccinated against hepatitis A:
- all children under the age of 1
- homeless people
- Recreational drug users (with or without injections)
- men having sex with other men
- People who have been in direct contact with someone with hepatitis A
- Travelers to countries where hepatitis A is endemic
- People with chronic or long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or C
- people with clotting factor disorders
- Families and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is endemic
can get Vaccines for $76 in the health department. Vaccines are free for people without health insurance. You can also ask your provider or pharmacy for the vaccine.
Another effective way to prevent the spread of infection is hand washing.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include yellowing of the skin and eyes, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and dark urine.
Infection can cause mild illness lasting several weeks to severe illness lasting several months. According to the CDC, most people recover completely with no lasting liver damage, but hepatitis A can, in rare cases, lead to liver failure and death.
Because the infection is caused by a virus, treatment usually includes supportive care such as rest and hydration. According to the CDC, it can take months for people with hepatitis A to feel better.
The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, one of Disney’s longest-running attractions. The show, which runs three times a night, marks his 40th anniversary.th Anniversary of 2014.
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