Scientists are concerned that 2,000 people were exposed to hepatatis A at a 7 Eleven in Salt Lake City recently.
Authorities are concerned that customers at a 7-Eleven located in Salt Lake City were exposed to hepatitis A, and they are urging recent customers to reach out to the health department so they can get an injection. The Salt Lake County Health Department released a statement indicating that an infected employee at a 7-Eleven in West Jordan worked while sick and may have handle items there.
It’s a huge exposure that could affect up to 2,000 people, even though it only affects that one store. Authorities say that people who visited the 7-Eleven, located at 2666 West 7800 South, between Dec. 26 and Jan. 3 are at risk, especially if they used the bathroom or consumed certain specific items like fresh fruit, fountain drinks, or anything from the hot food case.
Packaged items are not likely to be a source of exposure, and those who have gotten fully vaccinated from hepatitis A are not at risk. Anyone else should contact the health department and let them know that they think they have been exposed.
“This is an important reminder to food service establishments that they should consider vaccinating their food-handling employees against hepatitis A,” said Gary Edwards, SLCoHD executive director, in a statement. “It’s also important that food handlers be conscientious with hygiene, hand washing and not working when ill—and that managers be vigilant in enforcing those important requirements that help protect public health.”
Daniel J. Brown
Daniel J. Brown (Editor-in-Chief) is a recently retired data analyst who gets a kick out of reading and writing the news. He enjoys good music, great food, and sports, with a slant towards Southern college football, basketball and professional baseball.