Public health officials warn after possible hepatitis A outbreak at Beverly Hills Whole Foods
Public health officials warn after possible hepatitis A outbreak at Beverly Hills Whole Foods 00:35
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommended that anyone who purchased from the seafood section of Beverly Hills Whole Foods visit a doctor to receive the hepatitis A vaccine.
Officials issued the advisory after scientists discovered possible hepatitis A infections at the Whole Foods Market at 239 North Crescent Drive. The employee who may have been infected with the virus worked in the seafood section of the store from April 20th to May 13th.
Scientists have not detected any new cases and are working with the company to ensure employees are encouraged to get vaccinated. However, the investigation is ongoing.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can spread even before you feel sick. It is spread through the stool or blood of an infected person or through contaminated food.
It may present as a mild illness lasting a few weeks or as a severe illness lasting many months. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, or yellow eyes or skin. In rare cases, it can lead to death.
The Ministry of Public Health said that since there is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A, vaccination is the best way to prevent infection with the disease. There is a high possibility that infection can be prevented by vaccination, but if vaccination is not given soon after infection, there is a possibility of developing the disease.
Public health officials added that older adults and people with weakened immune systems may need immune globulin and vaccines to prevent infection after infection.
Residents who visited the seafood department between April 20 and May 13 should contact their pharmacy or health care provider about the vaccine.
Earlier this week, public health officials announced an outbreak of hepatitis A among Los Angeles County's homeless population.
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