Health Department: Hepatitis A Cases May Be Linked To Detroit Whole Foods Market
DETROIT (WWJ) - The Detroit Health Department is investigating two cases of Hepatitis A — a viral infection — that officials say may be linked to prepared foods sold at Whole Foods Market.
The department said in a release that one case was diagnosed in an employee who handles prepared food at the store. The second case was a Detroit resident who ate at the prepared foods section of the store.
It is still unclear how either case was contracted, officials said.
Given "the theoretical risk" that the second case may have contracted the disease from the food handler, however, the department is recommending that any Whole Foods shoppers who may have eaten prepared foods bought at the Detroit location between Oct. 6 and Oct. 12 speak to their doctor.
"While it remains unclear exactly how either of these individuals contracted Hepatitis A, and we know that Whole Foods Market Detroit has a comprehensive food safety protocol, we want to do our best to protect our residents and those of surrounding communities who may have been exposed. Whole Foods has been nothing but cooperative throughout this process," said Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Executive Director and Health Officer at the Detroit Health Department in a statement.
The recommended treatment for those who may have been exposed to Hepatitis A is a vaccine that helps to prevent people from developing the disease.
The department has already evaluated and provided preventive treatment to the staff at Whole Foods, and continues to monitor for any additional cases, according to a news release.
In addition, the Detroit Health Department will be offering evaluation and possible preventive treatment at both of its clinics, located at The Samaritan Center (5555 Conner Street) and The Family Place (8726 Woodward Avenue). Clinics will be open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from Thursday, Oct. 20 through Wednesday, Oct. 26.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It is usually spread when a person ingests contaminated food or drink. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal, yellow eyes and skin, as well as dark urine. Many people who have Hepatitis A may not have symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. In over 99 percent of cases the body clears the disease without any long-term consequences, health officials say.
Whole Foods Detroit, located in the city's bustling Midtown area, opened to much fanfare in 2013 as grocery shopping options continue to be limited within the city.
Health Department officials say they are working closely with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, which has jurisdiction over licensing and food safety in grocery stores, on the ongoing investigation.
For more about Hepatitis from the state of Michigan, visit this link. Those with questions can call the Detroit Health Department at 313-876-4000.
