Los Angeles County public health officials are investigating after a worker at a Whole Foods supermarket in Beverly Hills was reported to have contracted hepatitis A.
Health officials say anyone who purchased products in the seafood section of the market at 239 North Crescent Dr. between April 20 and May 13 may be infected with hepatitis A if they are not already immune. He warned that he would be vaccinated.
“Vaccination as soon as possible after exposure may reduce the risk of developing hepatitis A infection,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said. “Residents should contact their local pharmacy or health care provider about the vaccine.”
According to information provided by the Department of Health, hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can range from mild symptoms lasting several weeks to severe symptoms lasting several months.
The infection usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks that have been contaminated with small amounts of undetected feces from an infected person.
The health department is working with Whole Foods to ensure employees who do not have immunity to hepatitis A are vaccinated. No additional hepatitis A cases were reported as of Saturday, and the investigation is ongoing.
Los Angeles officials announced earlier this week that hepatitis A is spreading among the city's homeless population. People experiencing homelessness tend to be at higher risk due to limited handwashing and toilet facilities.
Whole Foods' corporate communications office said in a statement: “The diagnosed team member is not at work and no other individuals are known to have become ill.”
“While we have rigorous food safety processes in place at our stores, we encourage anyone who believes they may have been exposed to follow the guidance of the Department of Health,” the company added.