Jersey Mike's Oceanside store customers may have been exposed to hepatitis A, health officials warn 

People who ate at a Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurant in Oceanside between April 5 and April 19 may have been exposed to hepatitis A, the Nassau County Department of Health announced late Friday.

A food handler who worked in the shop at 24 Atlantic Ave. was confirmed to have hepatitis A, officials said. Anyone who ate food or drinks prepared at the store or used its bathroom could have been exposed.

"Though the risk of transmission is considered low, out of an abundance of caution, individuals who may have been exposed are advised to speak to their health care provider," the health department said in a statement.

The hepatitis A virus causes a disease of the liver that is usually a mild, short-term illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms may appear between 2 and 7 weeks after exposure and can include: yellow skin or eyes, nausea, stomach pain, joint pain, dark urine or clay-colored stools.

It can be spread by eating food and drinks handled by an infected person or coming in contact with something contaminated by the stool of a person with hepatitis A.

Anyone who already had hepatitis A or received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine are protected, the health department said.

One dose of the vaccine may help prevent hepatitis A for people who have been exposed within the past two weeks. But people should consult with their doctors for advice.

The county has set up a weekend call center for anyone who needs more information. People can dial (516) 227-9651 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.