A food handler at a West Hollywood juice bar was confirmed to be infected with hepatitis A, Los Angeles County health officials said Friday, adding that they are working with business owners to identify customers who may be infected. have been exposed.
According to the county Public Health Department, no cases of hepatitis have yet been identified from the worker at Sunlife Organics Juice Bar, in the 8500 block of West Sunset Boulevard.
Although, health officials recommend that patrons who ate or drank beverages from the juice bar between March 14 and 17 get vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Vaccination is not necessary for people who previously received the vaccine or had a previous infection. But to reduce illness, the vaccine must be given within two weeks of exposure.
While the shots may be available at local pharmacies or doctors’ offices, the county will offer free hepatitis shots to potentially exposed people next week at Hollywood Wilshire Health Center, located at 5205 Melrose Ave.
Vaccines will be offered from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday and Monday, and from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Tuesday.
California will stop requiring proof of vaccinations and negative COVID-19 tests at concerts or large indoor events. The new measure goes into effect on April 1, however, although these requirements will no longer be mandatory, they are still highly recommended by the state and by health experts.
According to county health officials, hepatitis A is “highly contagious” and can be spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Adults who develop acute hepatitis A may experience symptoms including fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, or jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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