People who have eaten store-prepared produce from an Albertsons in Littleton recently could face shots because a store employee has tested positive for hepatitis A.
The Tri-County Health Department said the warning applies specifically to those who have bought green onions, celery that has had the leaves trimmed, any lettuce that was not pre-bagged, any pre-cut watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew melon.
People who bought other produce at the store at West Bowles Avenue and South Platte Canyon Road should not be alarmed, officials said.
Officials said Sunday the overall risk is relatively low, though about 3,000 of the items were sold at the store, according to the health department.
“The employee followed good hand hygiene practices and wore gloves,” said Dr. Richard L. Vogt, executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.
Hepatitis A, a liver disease that lasts a few weeks to a few months, can be passed to anyone who may have eaten food directly handled by that employee.
The health department will be offer vaccinations at Columbine United Church at 6375 South Platte Canyon Road Monday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The church is at South Platte Canyon Road and West Coal Mine Avenue, about one-half mile south of the Albertsons.
Hepatitis A does not lead to a chronic or recurring infection, but it can cause fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, gray or white stools, and jaundiced eyes and skin, according to health officials.
Symptoms usually show up about three weeks after infection.
For more information call the health department at 303-846-2006 or Albertsons at 1-877-932-7948. Information also is available on the health department website, .
People who bought the items should throw them out or return them to the store, then wash their hands after handling the produce, authorities said.
Anyone with symptoms should see a doctor and not handle food that is to be eaten by others.
