Warning: Possible Hepatitis A exposure at Denver Albertsons' store

April 20, 9:24 AMDenver Family Health ExaminerMeredith Jameson

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The Tri-County Health Department is warning people who shop at Albertsons at West Bowles and South Platte Canyon Road that they may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.

Health officials say a produce handler tested positive for the disease. Hepatitis A can be passed to anyone who may have eaten food directly handled by that employee.

Only the Albertsons at 3615 West Bowles Avenue is affected.

The produce handler reportedly worked with green onions, celery that had the leaves cut off, all lettuce that is not pre-bagged, any watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew melon that was cut in half or quarters and plastic containers containing only pre-cut watermelon. Store records show about 3,000 items were sold.

If you have eaten any of this food between the dates of April 6 and April 21, the Health Department is recommending you get vaccinated.
 

They will be giving the free shots Monday and Tuesday at the Columbine United Church at 6375 South Platte Canyon Road. It's about a half block from the Albertsons.

For more information on the clinics people should call the Health Department at: (303) 846-2006.

If you did buy these items and still have them you should not eat them. Health officials say throw them out or return them to the store.

Consumers can call Albertsons about the items at 1-877-932-7948 for more information.

The Health Department says people who bought other produce at this store do not need to be concerned, or take any further action.

People who have had a vaccination for Hepatitis A or have had the illness in the past are protected from getting the infection.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, gray or white stools and jaundice. Symptoms are more severe in adults than in children. Health experts say the symptoms usually appear three to four weeks after exposure.

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