Hepatitis Did It
watchez said:
Wow that is surprising. Things must have gone south real fast because the last time I saw Whitey he was on top of the world & business was going strong. I wonder if the economy had something to do with it. Whitey had a great pool room up there - a converted bowling alley that lead to a great looking room. He told me he would do a 'best dressed in drag' contest each summer and make 1000s just on that one night. The whole town would show up.
I talked to one of his league players last night. I have not yet talked to Whitey himself. I plan on being at the tournament.
This hepatitis outbreak is the cause. Its too bad because Whitey had a great business going, and he is a very sharp guy. Talk about bad luck. I wish him the best.
Here is a story from the local news:
Burlington Restaurant Warns of Hepatitis A Exposure
Updated: July 24, 2008 05:57 PM CDT
Health officials in Burlington are warning restaurant patrons about possible exposure to the Hepitits A virus.
It's been an overwhelming and difficult few days for Whitey Walker. The owner of Whitey's Bar and Billiards. He found out Monday that one of his food service workers was diagnosed with Hepatitis A. "You have to contact everybody, get their weight, get everyone vaccinated," says Walker.
He's working closely with the county and state health departments. He says, "The entire kitchen had to be shut down, sterilized, sanitized and all the employees vaccinated."
The health department is urging anyone who consumed drinks containing ice or lemon slices, and any items from the salad bar between July 2nd through July 13th, to take precautions. Abby West, a public health nurse with the Des Moines County Health Department says, "If they were here and ate those items, they should receive a vaccine."
People who ate those items between June 25th and July 1st are also at risk, but it's too late for a vaccination. However, they should be aware of symptoms. Such as fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dark urine and jaundice. "If they think they have any symptoms they need to talk with their doctor and possibly be tested," adds West.
The employee didn't get the virus from work. So far, no one else at the restaurant has been diagnosed. That's something Walker hopes people realize. "I'm a little concerned about how my patrons will react, how the community will react."
The Des Moines County Health Department will hold a Hepatitis A vaccine clinic. It will be at the Des Moines County Health Department at 522 North 3rd Street in Burlington from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 16th and Thursday, July 17th and on Friday, July 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
