Hepatitis A case investigated at Beverly Hills Whole Foods

Los Angeles County health officials are looking into a case of hepatitis A in an employee at a Whole Foods store in Beverly Hills. They are warning that people may have been exposed to this contagious liver infection. If you bought seafood from the store between April 20 and May 13, you might be affected. It's important to get vaccinated if you are not already immune to hepatitis A. The virus has also been found among homeless people in the county. Hepatitis A is a virus that can be in the stool and blood of infected people. It can spread even before symptoms show up. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. Getting vaccinated after exposure can help lower the risk of getting infected. The county Public Health Department advises residents to contact their pharmacy or doctor for the vaccine. Whole Foods is cooperating with health officials. The infected employee is not working, and no one else has gotten sick. While the risk to the public is low, homeless individuals are more vulnerable to the virus due to limited access to hygiene facilities. In the past, there have been outbreaks of hepatitis A among homeless and drug users in unsanitary conditions. If you shopped at the seafood counter in the Beverly Hills Whole Foods during the mentioned dates, it's recommended to get a hepatitis A vaccine. The virus can spread through contaminated food and infected individuals. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease, as there is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems may need additional preventive measures. Contact your healthcare provider for more information on getting vaccinated.