The New Jersey Department of Health is urging customers to get hepatitis A injections after discovering a Starbucks employee was working while infected.
Notify the healthcare provider Camden County Health department About the incident in Gloucester Town on Wednesday, she said last week. The Starbucks facility was immediately closed and the investigation found no evidence that food safety protocols had been compromised.
Camden County health officer Paschal Nwako said in a statement Thursday that the department is working with the employee and the coffee shop chain to address the situation.
“Our top priority is to ensure that everyone involved remains safe and healthy. The patient is currently not working and close contacts have been established. We encourage anyone who believes they have been vaccinated against hepatitis A to contact the provincial health service. department or your GP.” .
The health department said free hepatitis A injections were offered to beneficiaries on Friday and Saturday. Hepatitis A is one of many hepatitis viruses that can cause inflammation and affect liver function.
Most cases occur when ingesting contaminated food or water, according to the Mayo Clinic website. A person can also contract the virus through close contact.
The Mayo Clinic says that while many cases are mild, some people may need long-term care. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, low-grade fever, and yellowing of the skin.
Starbucks said Sunday that the health and safety of its “partners” and the community is its top priority.
“We are working closely with the Camden County health department and are fully compliant with all requirements,” the company said. “There is no evidence that customers or partners have been affected.”
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