By JODY RECORD
Union Leader Correspondent
HAMPTON — Tests for hepatitis A in a fast-food restaurant worker have turned out to be negative, state health officials reported yesterday.
“We got the test results back and we do not have a case of hepatitis A in the restaurant in Hampton,” said Dr. Jose Montero, of the state Department of Public Health. “There is nothing else that needs to be done at this point.”
On Wednesday, the Hampton pubic health officer received a report of an employee at the Burger King on Route 1 was showing signs of the viral infection that is transferred hand-to-mouth.

Kevin Schultz, Hampton’s building inspector who also serves as its health officer, visited the hamburger restaurant and, after talking with the manager, referred the alleged incident to the state. According to Montero, an investigation was done that included collecting samples from the employee suspected of being infected.
That individual did not work on Wednesday.
Montero said the worker had some of the symptoms associated with hepatitis A, including nausea and vomiting.
At no time was the restaurant closed or threatened with closing, the state health worker added.
Schultz said it is standard practice to refer any suspicious health incidents to the state.
“If we get a report, it goes to the state regardless,” Schultz said Wednesday. “That’s the protocol.”