The Detroit Health Department is investigating a case of Hepatitis A in a crew member who works at the McDonald's in the shadow of the Fisher Building.
The address for the McDonald's is 2889 West Grand Blvd. in the New Center Area.
While the risk of infection to customers is low, the Health Department is recommending vaccinations for anyone who ate at the restaurant from November 8th through November 22.
It is recommended that they get vaccine before December 6. Uninsured Detroit residents can get the Hepatitis A vaccine free at both of the city's Immunization Clinics. They are held From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The clinics are located at:
- The Samaritan Center (5555 Conner Street Detroit, MI 48213) 313-410-8142
- The Family Place (8726 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48202) 313-410-7803
The city is recommending that non-Detroit resident contact their health departments at:
- Macomb County (586) 469-5372
- Oakland County (800)-848-5533
- Wayne County (734) 727-7100
The Health Department says a through investigation is being conducted and that the worker stopped working at the McDonalds once their symptoms began. they will not be allowed to return to work until they have been cleared by a doctor.
The franchise owner put out the following statement about the situation:
As a long-time neighbor in the Detroit community, I care very deeply for the health and well-being of my employees and customers. Our employee has been treated by their personal physician and we wish our employee a quick recovery. We appreciate the partnership with the Detroit Health Department, and it is important to note that the department has determined that there are no further concerns to public safety in this situation and it is safe for the public and employees to eat and work at this McDonald’s restaurant.
“The Detroit Health Department is working diligently to ensure a comprehensive food safety protocol is being followed at McDonald’s. Our priority is to protect our residents and those of surrounding communities who may have been exposed,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Director and Health Officer of the Detroit Health Department in a news release.
Information on Hepatitis A from the Detroit Health Department:
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal, and sometimes yellow eyes or skin and dark urine. A person can get Hepatitis A when they eat, drink, or touch their mouth with food, liquid or objects (including their hands) that have come into contact with stool from an infected person. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Southeast Michigan has seen an increase in Hepatitis A cases since 2016. High risk individuals identified in association with this outbreak include persons who: share injection and non-injection street drugs (including pain killers), have sexual activities with someone who has Hepatitis A, have close contact, care for, or live with someone who has Hepatitis A, are homeless or have transient living situations, or are men who have sex with men.
Southeast Michigan has seen an increase in Hepatitis A cases since 2016. High risk individuals identified in association with this outbreak include persons who: share injection and non-injection street drugs (including pain killers), have sexual activities with someone who has Hepatitis A, have close contact, care for, or live with someone who has Hepatitis A, are homeless or have transient living situations, or are men who have sex with men.
