Los Angeles County public health officials are investigating a reported case of hepatitis A in an employee at a Whole Foods supermarket in Beverly Hills.
Health officials warned that anyone who purchased produce at the seafood counter at the market at 239 North Crescent Dr. between April 20 and May 13 would receive the hepatitis A vaccine if they were not already immune.
“Receiving vaccination as soon as possible after exposure could help reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A infection,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said. “Residents should contact their local pharmacy or medical provider to get vaccinated.”
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months, according to information provided by the Ministry of Health.
Infection usually spreads when a person unintentionally ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated with small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person.
The Department of Health is working with Whole Foods to ensure that employees who are not immunized against hepatitis A are referred for vaccination. No additional cases of hepatitis A were reported Saturday and the investigation is ongoing.
Los Angeles officials said earlier this week that hepatitis A was spreading among the city’s homeless population. Homeless people tend to be at higher risk because they have limited access to handwashing facilities and toilets.
In the statement, Whole Foods’ communications office said “the diagnosed team member is not working and we do not know if anyone else has become ill.”
“While we have strict food safety processes in place in our stores,” the company added, “we encourage anyone who believes they may have been exposed to follow health department guidelines.”
News Source : www.nbcnews.com
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