Two cases of Hepatitis A are being investigated by the Detroit Health Department in connection to prepared foods section at Whole Foods Market on Mack Avenue.
According to the health department, one case was diagnosed in an employee who handles food at the store.
The second case involved a Detroit resident who ate the prepared foods from that section.
It is not clear how the Hepatitis A was contracted.
The Detroit Health Department is recommending that anyone who consumed prepared foods at that particular Whole Foods Market between October 6 and October 12 visit their physician.
A preventative treatment in the form of a vaccine could help those people who may have been exposed.
The Detroit Health Department will also offer evaluation and and preventative treatment at two Detroit clinics, The Samaritan Center at 5555 Conner Street and Family Place at 8726 Woodward Avenue.
“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.
The Detroit Health Department evaluated and provided preventive treatment to the staff at Whole Foods.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease. 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. The Detroit Health Department can be contacted at 313-876-4000.
