GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WCBS 880) -- A worker at a New Jersey Starbucks has tested positive for hepatitis A and worked through their infectious period, health officials announced.
The Camden County Health Department said the employee worked handling food at the Starbucks on 1490 Blackwood Clementon Road in Gloucester Township.
On Wednesday, the Department of Health was notified of the positive test, and an investigation was immediately started. A food surveillance unit conducted an inspection, which did not show any safety violations.
The Department of Health said based on its investigation, and in an abidance of caution, anyone who visited the Starbucks location on Nov. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 should get the hepatitis A vaccine. Those who may be affected are urged to wait no longer than 14 days to get the vaccine.
The location would also not be reopened until all employees were vaccinated.
“The county health department has been working closely with the patient and the staff at the Starbucks to address the situation,” Camden County Health Officer Paschal Nwako said. “The patient is not currently working, and close contacts have been identified. We encourage anyone who may believe they were exposed to get vaccinated against hepatitis A by calling the county health department or your primary care physician.”
The department will open up a hepatitis A vaccine clinic at 508 Lakeland Road in Blackwood from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Health officials warned that hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from contact with objects, food or drinks contaminated by an infected person.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain and jaundice.
Health officials said symptoms surface two to four weeks after exposure, but some can occur even later. Kids 6 years old and under usually don’t show many, if any, symptoms.
Health officials said anyone with questions can contact the Health Department at 856-549-0530.