Hepatitis A cases linked to Whole Foods in Midtown Detroit

he Detroit Health Department says it is investigating two cases of Hepatitis A in connection to prepared foods from Whole Foods Market in Detroit.

The department says two people were diagnosed with Hepatitis A in connection with the market: an employee, who handles prepared foods, and a Detroit resident who was diagnosed after eating prepared foods at the market.

The city is recommending that anyone who has eaten prepared foods from Whole Foods Market in Detroit between October 6 and October 12 to consult a physician for preventative treatment, such as a vaccine. The Detroit Health Department will also offer evaluation and possible preventive treatment at its clinics at The Samaritan Center on Conner Street and The Family Place on 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,” Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the city’s executive health director, says.

The Whole Foods staff has been evaluated by the Detroit Department of Health, and will continue to monitor them while the case is ongoing.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that is typically spread when a person eats contaminated food or drink. The disease yield symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal, yellow eyes and skin, as well as dark urine, however many may not have symptoms.