It was recently reported that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has recommended that those who purchased items from the seafood counter of a Whole Foods in Beverly Hills should visit a doctor for a hepatitis A vaccine. This recommendation came after a potential hepatitis A infection was discovered at the Whole Foods store on 239 N. Crescent Drive, where an infected employee worked in the seafood counter section from April 20 to May 13. Despite no additional cases being found so far, scientists are ensuring that employees are referred for vaccination as the investigation is still ongoing.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can be spread before symptoms appear. It can be transmitted through the stool and blood of infected individuals and contaminated food. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, and yellow eyes or skin. Vaccination is key in preventing this disease since there is no specific antiviral treatment for hepatitis A. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems may require additional preventive measures like immune globulin along with the vaccine to protect themselves from this disease.
It’s important to note that residents who visited the seafood counter at Whole Foods between April 20 and May 13 are advised to contact their pharmacy or healthcare provider for a vaccine as soon as possible. Matthew Rodriguez, a digital producer at kcalnews.com, reporting for local outlets like the Argonaut and Pasadena Weekly specializes in covering breaking news and crime updates related to this topic.
