
The two cases are not confirmed as linked but people are urged to speak to a doctor is they've eaten any food purchased from the store between 6. Oct and 12. Oct.
Health officials in Detroit are investigating two cases of Hepatitis A that have originated from one of its stores in the city.
The store in Mack Avenue reported an employee that was diagnosed with the highly contagious disease while a second person who ate food prepared at the store was also diagnosed.
Hepatitis A is a viral disease that attacks the liver and is passed on through consumption of food infected by another person. Although not life-threatening, it can be severe in some cases with symptoms such as high fever, gastrointestinal illness stomach problems. It doesn’t leave any long-lasting damage but can take months to recover, according to a UPI report.
The two cases at the Detroit store are so far not confirmed to be linked and the Mack Avenue establishment is doing all it can to co-operate with the health officials involved.
“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,” Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, executive director of the health department, said.
They are urging anyone who may believe they have consumed food prepared between Oct 6. and Oct. 12 from the store to seek medial advice from their doctor as not all people will develop symptoms. There will also be screenings for Hepatitis A offered in the area.
“While there is no definitive link that the second case is related to the occurrence in our store, we are cooperating fully with the Detroit Health Department to ensure the safety of our customers and team members,” said Whole Foods in a statement.
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