Los Angeles County has one confirmed case linked to the outbreak. A second case is still under investigation.
As of May 31, at least 30 cases are being investigated nationwide. In California, seven confirmed illnesses in persons who consumed this product have been reported from Humboldt, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino (2), Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Three of these individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
“Those that have purchased this product should discard it if still found in their home,†said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “We are actively investigating this situation, anyone who has consumed this specific product should contact their doctor within the 14-day period to discuss possible hepatitis A prevention and treatment options.â€
Costco has removed this product from stores and is notifying their member customers who have bought this product. LACDPH will continue to work with the California Department of Public Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration on this outbreak.
Health officials recommend that individuals who ate this product to receive an IG shot or hepatitis A vaccination to prevent or reduce illness. No other product is considered to be at risk. IG is a shot of concentrated antibodies made from donated blood, providing temporary protection; while the hepatitis A vaccine helps your body develop its own antibodies, providing longer-lasting protection. Shots must be received within 14 days of exposure in order to reduce or prevent illness.
Persons who have been vaccinated against hepatitis A or have received IG within the last three months or have ever had laboratory confirmed infection with the hepatitis A virus also do not need an injection of IG.
Affected residents are encouraged to seek IG or vaccine through their personal physicians. The Department of Public Health will make IG and vaccine available through certain clinics. A list of these Public Health clinics, dates and locations can be found on the DPH website at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov or by calling the LA County Info line at 211 from any landline or cell phone within the county.
Public Health will operate special clinics on June 1st and 2nd 10:00am-4:00pm at the sites listed below to offer preventive treatment to anyone who may have been exposed to this product.
AV Health Center
335 Ave K-6
Lancaster, CA
661-723-4526
North Hollywood HC
5300 Tujunga Ave
North Hollywood, CA
818-766-3982
Monrovia HC
330 W. Maple Ave
Monrovia, CA
626-256-1600
Hollywood Wilshire HC
5205 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-769-7800
MLK Jr CPH
11833 S. Wilmington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90059
323-568-8100
Whittier HC
7643 S. Painter Ave.
Whittier, CA 90602
562-464-5350
Curtis Tucker HC
123 W. Manchester Blvd
Inglewood, CA 90301
310-419-5325
The incubation period for hepatitis A is two to seven weeks. If you may have been exposed, watch for the following symptoms:
Jaundice (a yellow color to the eyes or skin)
Fatigue and light-colored bowel movements
Nausea
Fever
Loss of Appetite
Abdominal Cramps
Vomiting
Dark-colored urine
If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician.
Close contacts, including household and sexual partners, are at risk for acquiring hepatitis A from an infected person. It is important to be diagnosed promptly to ensure that treatments with IG or vaccine are effective. Routine vaccination and thorough handwashing with soap and hot water after using the toilet and before handling food are the most effective factors in preventing the spread of the disease.
For more information: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov
