Hepatitis A case identified at Starbucks in Gloucester Township

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – A food handler at a Starbucks in Gloucester Township tested positive for hepatitis A and went through his infectious period, Camden County officials said Thursday.

The Starbucks at 1490 Blackwood-Clementon Road has been temporarily closed until all employees can be vaccinated, officials said.

Anyone who visited this location on November 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 is advised to get their hepatitis A vaccine as a precaution, officials said.

A vaccination clinic will be set up at the Camden County Sustainable Facility at 508 Lakeland Road, starting Friday.

The Friday clinic will operate from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Vaccine appointments will be made on a first come, first served basis.

The Camden County Department of Health was informed on Wednesday that the patient had tested positive, officials said Thursday.

Members of the health department’s food monitoring unit inspected the store on Wednesday and found no evidence of security breaches, officials said.

“The county health department has been working closely with the patient and Starbucks staff to remedy the situation,” said Paschal Nwako, Camden County health manager. “Our top priority is to ensure that everyone involved remains safe and healthy. The patient is not currently working and close contacts have been identified. We encourage anyone who may believe they have been exposed to do so. vaccinate against hepatitis A by calling the county health department or your primary care physician. “

Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests feces, even in microscopic amounts, following contact with objects, food or drink contaminated by the stool or stool of an infected person. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A may include the following:

• Fever
• Tired
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• clay-colored stool
• Articular pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Symptoms of the disease appear two to four weeks after exposure, although in some cases they may appear two to seven weeks after exposure. Children under the age of six with hepatitis A often have no or few signs and symptoms.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus. Its severity can range from mild illness that lasts a few weeks to severe illness that lasts for several months.

The Department of Health recommends that those who have visited Starbucks during these dates get vaccinated against hepatitis A and / or immunoglobulins which may reduce the risk of contracting the disease. People should receive the vaccine as soon as possible, but no later than 14 days after contact.

For more information on hepatitis A and vaccine availability, Starbucks customers can contact the Camden County Health Department at 856-549-0530 or their primary care physician.