The Arizona Republic
Mar. 11, 2005 12:00 AM

Health officials are asking customers of Pepi's Pizza in south Phoenix to watch for hepatitis A symptoms after a food handler at the restaurant was infected with the viral illness last month.

Customers may have been exposed to the virus if they ate appetizers, salads or desserts at the restaurant, 727 S. Central Ave., from Jan. 21 to Feb. 13.

Currently there is no health threat at Pepi's and the restaurant is being monitored, Emily Poland of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health said.

Hepatitis A is a viral illness that affects the liver and can be life-threatening in the elderly or people with chronic liver disease. Most people recover completely.

Symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, fever, dark urine and abdominal pain. Symptoms can develop 15 to 50 days after exposure.

Anyone with these symptoms who may have been exposed to the virus should call his or her doctor.