A Red Robin employee may have served up a side of hepatitis A to as many as 5,000 restaurant goers' health officials said Wednesday. Immunizations are being offered to those who may have been infected.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department recommends those who ate at the Red Robin restaurant at 3720 S. Glenstone Ave., in Springfield from May 8 to May 16 to contact their healthcare provider.
The Health Department said it considers this a significant health threat, but many more are commonly vaccinated for hepatitis A, than in the past -- reducing the risk.
The 5,000 customers that went to the store during that time can receive the immunization Thursday and Friday at a Remington's restaurant and at the Smith Glynn Callway Clinic from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday.
However, the Health Department recommends women who are pregnant or those who have a compromised immune system visit their doctor for guidance.
A statement from Red Robin says the worker has not been in the restaurant since May 16, and will not return to work until they have been granted medical clearance.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and discolored urine. The incubation period for the disease is 28-30 days and vaccinations need to be taken within 14 days.
