NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The country is in the midst of an ongoing Hepatitis A outbreak.

Now, a former North Charleston Zaxby’s employee has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.  

Along with a press release, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Protection sent this tweet:

Here in South Carolina, it began as a spike in reported hepatitis A cases in Aiken County. It then spread to other parts of the state, prompting public health officials to declare a statewide outbreak.

This statement was sent to News 2 on behalf of Tanger and Zaxby’s in response to the release from DHEC. “Tanger, LLC dba Zaxby’s is committed to the health and safety of all guests and maintains high food safety standards, including requiring all food handlers to wear gloves.  With such safety measures in place, the risk of transmission is extremely low. Additionally, there have been no reported cases of food service transmission of Hepatitis A in South Carolina.  Tanger, LLC dba Zaxby’s takes this situation seriously and is working closely with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). In an abundance of caution, Tanger, LLC mandated vaccinations for all employees at this location to continue working in the restaurant. The restaurant, which received a 92 on its most recent health inspection, has been fully sanitized as a precaution. We will continue to follow any and all recommendations from the South Carolina DHEC regarding this situation. We encourage guests to contact us at 866-8-ZAXBYS (866-892-9297) with questions or concerns.”