Whole Foods Market Exposes Customers to Hepatitis A Outbreak: Health Department Issues Urgent Warning

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a warning to individuals who purchased seafood from a Whole Foods Market in Beverly Hills to seek medical attention for a hepatitis A vaccine. This recommendation comes after an employee at the store’s seafood counter tested positive for the virus from April 20th to May 13th.

Scientists are currently collaborating with the company to identify any additional cases and ensure all employees receive vaccination. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, but hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can be transmitted before symptoms appear. It spreads through infected individuals’ stool and blood or through contaminated food. Symptoms range from mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe sickness lasting months, including fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, or yellow eyes/skin. In rare cases, hepatitis A can be fatal. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent contracting hepatitis A since there is no specific antiviral treatment available. Immediate vaccination following exposure is crucial to avoid falling ill.

According to public health officials, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems may require immune globulin along with the vaccine after being exposed to hepatitis A. Those who visited the seafood counter of Whole Foods between April 20th and May 13th are urged to contact their pharmacy or healthcare provider for the vaccine immediately.

Earlier this week, the Department of Public Health announced an outbreak of hepatitis A among Los Angeles County’s homeless population.