United States: Another health issue has knocked on the doors of the United States as the health authorities of Philadelphia have issued a warning to the residents about the potential threat of Hepatitis A. The warning was issued after a case was registered among the workers of the ShopRite located at 6301 Oxford Avenue from January 4 to January 21.
While addressing the same, the Health Commissioner of the Philadelphia Health Department – Dr. Cheryl Bettigol, mentioned, “There was an individual with active Hepatitis A who was working at the store when they may have been contagious,” as per the reports by 6abc News.
Furthermore, she said, “Hepatitis A is killed by cooking and heating to a temperature of 185 or more for at least a minute. It is not killed by freezing.”
The health authorities have further underlined that no official data revealed that anyone else has been infected with the virus. However, some are now learning about the exposure.
Public’s comment on the recent surge
Rosemarie Klein from Lawndale mentioned, “I just heard about it when I was at the lunch meat counter,” as per 6abc. However, she further added, “I should go home and empty my freezer.”
It is to be noted that the reports by 6abc outlined that Klein is among the population who believes that ShopRite is the best place to shop as it is convenient and offers good prices.
Following the upsurge in the cases, some of the locals have mentioned that they will opt for safer and cleaner cooking practices – which is not possible, as per the local health officials.
In addition to this, another shopper, Khalif Edwards, stated, “We do take care of our meat; we wash it and stuff like that, but it’s still terrifying.”
Hepatitis A vaccines!
Free vaccination against Hepatitis A was provided by the health department on January 27, 2024 (Saturday). The venue of the vaccination camp was District Health Center #10, located at 2230 Cottman Ave, according to 6abc. Approximately 61 people benefitted in the center.
Meanwhile, the health officials have mentioned that they will continue to provide vaccination against Hepatitis A.
While elaborating on the same, Bettigole mentioned, “It’s at Health Centers 3, 4, and 5, (from) 10 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm. Monday through Thursday. The Hepatitis A vaccine is very safe and very effective. Most kids have been vaccinated since the year 2000; most adults have not.”
Additionally, the health officials have underlined that an individual can also directly contact their healthcare provider or visit a pharmacy to take the jab.
What are the key symptoms for identifying Hepatitis A?
Health officials have noted that Hepatitis A is a liver infection and is transferred from an infected person to a healthier one after he/she doesn’t wash his hands before preparing food.
A person infected with Hepatitis A can pass the virus to others from two weeks before they show any signs of liver infection to one week after the symptoms begin. People usually start showing symptoms two to six weeks after being in contact with the virus.
Some of the symptoms experienced by an infected person include:
- Diarrhea,
- Vomiting,
- Certain symptoms of jaundice,
- Fever,
- Low energy,
- Dark Urine, and
- Stomach pain