Officials: Fruit At Manhattan Market May Have Been Exposed To Hepatitis A
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some patrons of the "Westside Market" on Broadway between 97th and 98th streets need to get a Hepatitis A vaccine.
Chopped fruit sold at the market may have been exposed to the virus by a worker, according to health officials.
Officials believe that the contaminated food would have been consumed between August 9 and 22. The fruits involved were packaged in plastic containers and sold in the refrigerated case on the left hand side of the store. The fruit may have also been obtained through catering or delivery.
Watermelon halves and quarters, peeled pineapples, and shelled and cut coconut are believed to have been among the contaminated foods.
Vaccination within two weeks of exposure can ward off the disease, according to the Health Department.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, according to the health department. Symptoms typically appear within 15 to 50 days of exposure.
A series of vaccination clinics is scheduled to begin on Friday, CBS 2 reported.
The Health Department will offer free vaccinations at MS 258, the Community Action School, at 154 West 93rd Street.
Vaccination Times And Dates:
Friday, August 23: 2pm - 8pm
Saturday, August 24: 10am - 2pm
Sunday, August 25: 2pm - 6pm
Monday, August 26: 2pm - 8pm
Anybody with health insurance is asked to bring their card with them.
Health officials asked that all store patrons get the vaccination as a precautionary measure.
"We are asking these store patrons to get this vaccination as a precautionary measure," said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. "If people experience symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately. This incident serves as an important reminder to always wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease."
The market has worked with officials to destroy all contaminated products.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
