The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has released a statement saying that customers of an Aiken restaurant may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.

DHEC states they were notified on Thursday, January 31st that an employee of Aiken Brewing Company tested positive for Hepatitis A.

Customers who ate there between January 11th and 26th could have been exposed to the virus.

DHEC is working with the Aiken Brewing Company to investigate possible exposures and arrange preventive treatment for anyone who may be affected.

“Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus,” said Dr. Linda Bell, MD and state epidemiologist. “The risk of the hepatitis A virus spreading from an infected employee to customers in a restaurant setting is low. The concern is with a food handler with hepatitis A infection, not the restaurant.”

The restaurant received an A rating from DHEC at the last inspection conducted on Jan. 9, 2019.

This illness is not a foodborne outbreak.

Customers and staff who ate at the restaurant during those dates are encouraged to go to the Aiken County Health Department located at 222 Beaufort St. NE for post-exposure treatment on the following date and times:

Monday, February 4th, from 12-6 pm

Tuesday, February 5th, from 10 am – 7 pm

Wednesday, February 6th, from 10 am – 6 pm

Thursday, February 7th, from 10 am – 6 pm

If patrons of the restaurant have questions or concerns, please contact DHEC’s Careline at 1-855-4SC-DHEC (1-855-472-3432)