Meijer has released a statement regarding a hepatitis A diagnosis occurring at its store at 1015 Pickard Road in Mt. Pleasant.
The affected team member, who works in the bakery at the store at 1015 Pickard Road has been off work for more than a week, according to a statement released Friday by Meijer regarding the incident.
“We worked closely with state and local health officials on the investigation prior to clearing our bakery for operation,” said Joe Hirschmugl, Meijer Public Relations Manager. “We have very specific food safety protocols in our stores, including the requirement that all team members wear gloves when working in our bakery department.”
Hepatitis A vaccines are available now for those concerned about its spread in mid-Michigan.
The vaccines are available at local Meijer, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Kroger stores, said Geralyn Lasher, spokesperson at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Friday.
The diagnosis in Mt. Pleasant was announced Thursday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The MDHHS and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development identified the infection and are advising people who consumed any baked goods made on-site at the bakery department of this Meijer store between Aug. 23 and Sept. 20 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.
“These baked goods will bear the Meijer Bakery label, and would include individual items such as single doughnuts and rolls from the self-serve case,” the departments stated in a release Thursday. “Consumers with any of these products still in their home should discard them immediately. Freezing does not kill the hepatitis A virus.”
No Meijer stores or Meijer bakeries at other locations are affected, and no illnesses have been identified from this exposure at this time.
“While the risk of exposure in this situation is low, patrons should monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A infection which include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, fever, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes,” the Central Michigan District Health Department indicated.
CMDHD, which is involved in the investigation, is working with Meijer to provide vaccines to any of their bakery employees and to ensure they are following recommend guidelines.
Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure.
Those who consumed any baked goods that were purchased from this Meijer location between the time frame should promptly contact their healthcare provider to be assessed for vaccination or immune globulin.
A vaccine may be available at some major pharmacies in Michigan, and Meijer is offering the vaccine free of charge at its Mount Pleasant location to any Meijer employees or customers who are concerned about exposure.
People who have had hepatitis A disease or previously received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine do not need to be immunized for hepatitis A again.
It is typically between 15 and 50 days from exposure to onset of illness (incubation period).
The duration of the illness typically lasts several weeks to several months.
Treatment of hepatitis A is supportive, and most people will recover without complications. However, individuals who have liver disease and become infected with hepatitis A are at risk for liver failure.
“While vaccination provides the best protection, frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A,” the departments stated. “Appropriately cooking foods can also help prevent infection.”
Anyone who develops symptoms of the hepatitis A infection should stay home and contact their healthcare provider.
Residents may contact the Central Michigan District Health Department with questions or if they require assistance in locating hepatitis A vaccine or Immune Globulin.
For more information about viral hepatitis, visit www.michigan.gov/hepatitis or www.cdc.gov/hepatitis.
For important information about immunizations, visit Michigan’s I Vaccinate Campaign at www.ivaccinate.org.
