Several Taco Bell employees who were tested for Hepatitis A after one case was confirmed over the weekend are in the clear. 

Eight employees from the Taco Bell on Elm Road in Warren were tested for Hepatitis A after the Warren City Health Department was notified that an employee had presented at the hospital with a confirmed case of Hepatitis A. 

Warren Health Commissioner Robert Pinti says told 21 News that eight other employees were sent for testing because they showed what may have been symptoms. 

Since then the results of those test have come back. Pinti said that the tests for all additional employees came back clear. 

24 employees of the Taco Bell were vaccinated for Hepatitis A as a precaution. 

In addition, according to a statement from Taco Bell Corporate communications, the location on Elm Road was also thoroughly sanitized.

The Ohio Department of Health says Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver disease that usually spreads when a person ingests fecal matter - even in microscopic amounts - from contact with objects, food or drinks contaminated by the stool of an infected person.  

Hepatitis A can also be spread from close personal contact with an infected person, such as through sex.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, clay-colored stools, and jaundice.  People with hepatitis A can experience mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.

People at increased risk for hepatitis A in this outbreak include:

  • People with direct contact with individuals infected with the virus
  • Men who have sex with men
  • People who use street drugs whether they are injected or not
  • People who are incarcerated
  • People experiencing homelessness
  • People who have traveled to other areas of the U.S. currently experiencing outbreaks

The Ohio Department of Health says vaccines are available for those who think they are at high-risk. 

In addition, those who believe they may have been exposed to a person with Hepatitis A may also be candidates for a post-exposure vaccine. ODH says if you believe you've been exposed to Hepatitis should contact their healthcare provider. 

The Warren City Health Department says simply eating at the restaurant is not a cause for panic. 

Pinti says customers who ate at the store should watch for symptoms including; fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, urine that appears dark, or jaundiced skin. 

Anyone who begins showing symptoms should see their family physician. 

Testing to find out if a patient has Hepatitis A usually includes a blood sample. 

In addition to watching for symptoms, Pinti said those with concerns could also call the Warren City Health Department for more information.