A case of Hepatitis A has been confirmed in Erie County, specifically at the Cracker Barrel located at 7810 Interstate Drive. The Erie County Department of Health has stated that individuals who dined in or ordered takeout from the restaurant between January 30 and February 21, 2024, may have been exposed to the contagious liver disease. Symptoms of Hepatitis A, which include fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea, can appear two to seven weeks post-exposure.

In response to the confirmed case, Cracker Barrel has taken proactive measures, including deep cleaning and sanitizing the Erie location. The company has reassured the public that this incident is isolated to the Erie store and that all other Cracker Barrel locations in Pennsylvania remain unaffected.

Director of environmental health services for the Erie County Department of Health, Breanna Adams, emphasized the importance of vigilance for symptoms among customers who may have been exposed, and urged those who visited the establishment between February 10 and 21, 2024, to seek vaccination promptly. The health department is coordinating with the State Department of Health to provide additional vaccines and set up vaccination events starting as early as next week.

For individuals with concerns or questions, the Erie County Department of Health has established a call center with limited hours over the weekend, operating from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The collaborative efforts between Cracker Barrel, the Department of Health, and state officials aim to ensure the safety and well-being of all patrons and staff involved in light of this isolated incident.