CHARLOTTE — Health officials in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties are recommending that customers and employees at two local restaurants get vaccinated after a worker was found to have viral hepatitis A.

The notice affects people who ate at the Hooters on Bruton Smith Boulevard near Concord Mills Mall between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Feb. 7 and 8, officials said.

Authorities said people also may have been exposed to hepatitis A if they ate or drank at The Whisky Warehouse in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 6; from 4:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Feb. 9 and from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

Information on the possible exposure was released Tuesday by Mecklenburg County Health Department & Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease. The virus can be spread by eating or drinking items that have been contaminated with the virus or by close personal contact with an infected person.

But authorities said the hepatitis vaccine is very effective in reducing the risk of disease if it is administered within 14 days of exposure.

The state Division of Public Health as well as the local health departments are recommending a vaccination or shot for exposed employees and patrons.

People who have already had a hepatitis A infection, or one hepatitis A vaccination, are already protected from the virus and don’t need to take any further action, authorities said.

Need a vaccination? The health departments in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg are both offering walk up clinics during the next week. No appointments are needed.

Mecklenburg residents who want to get a vaccine or shot should go to the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 249 Billingsley Rd. The clinic will be open from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, and Feb. 25-27. It also will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. this Thursday.

In Cabarrus, a clinic will be open at 300 Mooresville Road in Concord from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed and have questions can call Mecklenburg health officials at 704-336-5398 or 704-336-6436 in Mecklenburg.

You also can contact the Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County/Cabarrus Health Alliance at 704-920-1213.