JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) — Three dozen people have contracted hepatitis A amid a series of exposures in northeastern Arkansas this year, according to state health officials.

Last year, only seven cases were reported statewide.

The Arkansas Health Department issued a warning after a Jonesboro restaurant employee tested positive for hepatitis A, department spokeswoman Meg Mirivel said. The agency said anyone who ate at the Steak 'n Shake on June 3 between 4 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. — and had never been vaccinated against the virus — should seek immediate care.

Department inspectors didn't believe the res...