POLK COUNTY, Fla. -- A new case of Hepatitis A has been confirmed in Polk County at a popular fast food restaurant.
Our ABC Action News I-Team uncovered an employee who worked inside McDonald's at 8006 Osceola-Polk Line Road in Davenport had a confirmed case of Hepatitis A last week.
According to an inspection on May 23, the state found handwashing issues with the employee's handwashing sink blocked and the paper towel dispenser not working.
Other violations documented included temperature violations with cold food held greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit in the cooler.
Food items at dangerous temperatures included vanilla soft serve mix at 47 degrees, fresh hamburger patties at 47 degrees, chicken tenders at 47 degrees and cheese slices at 47 degrees.
Also, hot food was not at a safe temperature with hamburger meat at 137 degrees and not reaching a minimum internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
The state also saw an accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
McDonald's released the following statement:
“We were informed by the Polk County Health Department that one of our employees has become ill. We are fully cooperating with the health department in their review of this matter, an isolated instance at this restaurant, to ensure the health and safety of all our employees and customers. Today and always, we are committed to a safe and clean restaurant environment, and we have taken proactive steps to again completely sanitize our restaurant.”
RELATED:
- Everything you need to know about hepatitis A in the Tampa Bay area
- Taco Bell worker tests positive for hepatitis A, employees had to be vaccinated
- Food service worker at Arby's in Pinellas County tests positive for hepatitis A
Hepatitis A has become an epidemic in the bay area and the state with more than 1,500 confirmed cases in Florida since January 2018.
The Hepatitis A virus is spread when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food or drinks that have been contaminated with small undetected amounts of stool from an infected person.
Pinellas County Health Department is offering Hepatitis A vaccines to the public at no cost at several vaccine centers. For more information on where you can get these free vaccines in Pinellas County, you can click here . Other Florida counties, including Hillsborough, also provide free or discounted Hepatitis A vaccines. You can click here for more information .
For more information on Hepatitis A and guidelines from the federal government, visit: www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm.
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