In a recent update from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, it has been revealed that several people may have been exposed to hepatitis A at a ShopRite grocery store located in the northeast part of the city. Health officials have confirmed that an employee working behind the meat counter was diagnosed with "acute hepatitis A" and may have been contagious between January 4 and January 21.

The Health Department has stated that while the risk of infection is considered low, as a precautionary measure, beef or pork purchased from the store during the mentioned period and subsequently frozen should be discarded. In addition, individuals who have handled or consumed raw or undercooked meat from the store's meat counter during this time are advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A as soon as possible. It is important to note that individuals who have previously received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine or have had hepatitis A in the past do not need to be vaccinated.

Details regarding the infected worker remain unknown, as well as the number of people who may have been exposed to the virus through potential secondary exposures or cross-contamination at the store. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is working closely with ShopRite to address the situation.

So far, there have been no reports of additional cases of hepatitis A, and no other ShopRite locations have been affected, according to the Philadelphia Department of Health. However, to ensure the safety of the public, free hepatitis A vaccines were offered by the health department to anyone who may have been exposed. As of Monday morning, 61 individuals have already been vaccinated.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection that primarily affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus can be found in the stool and blood of infected individuals and is transmitted through close personal contact or by consuming contaminated food and drink, even in small amounts. It is possible to transmit hepatitis A without displaying any symptoms, and the virus can be contagious up to two weeks before symptoms appear.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. While there are no specific treatments for hepatitis A, doctors usually recommend rest, proper nutrition, and fluids to aid in recovery. Most people fully recover, but in rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure and, in severe cases, death, particularly in individuals with underlying conditions such as chronic liver disease.

To protect against hepatitis A, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends receiving the hepatitis A vaccine. There are two types available, with one given as two shots spaced six months apart and the other being a combination vaccine that protects against both hepatitis A and B, administered in three shots over six months. If an individual has been exposed to the virus, experts suggest that a single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine given within two weeks may prevent the virus from taking hold.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is urging anyone who may have been exposed to take the necessary precautions and seek medical advice promptly. It is crucial to remain vigilant and prioritize one's wellbeing during these circumstances.