The City of Detroit’s Health Department is conducting and investigation and is asking people who consumed food or drink in the platinum member card access area of Greektown Casino in the eleven day period of November 11 through November 22 to get a Hepatitis A shot.
The department, according to a notice from the city, is investigating a Hepatitis A case in connection with an employee that works at Greektown Casino in Detroit.
There has been an increase in Hepatitis A cases across Southeastern Michigan since last year.
Officials say that as of this writing only one employee is known to have Hepatitis A and the risk of exposure is limited to those who ate or drank in the platinum member card access area.
As background, the chances of transmission of Hepatitis A from an employee to a customer is low.
Also, Hepatitis A can potentially be prevented if given a vaccination within two weeks of having come in contact with the virus.
Regardless, even with the low risk, the Detroit Health Department is recommending vaccination for those affected before December 6, 2017. The casino is also reaching out to individuals it knows may have been exposed and has, according to the city, been fully cooperative.
The affected employee cannot return to work until cleared by their doctor.
“We are diligently working with our state partners, physicians, hospitals, food establishments, and community groups to educate the community, limit any potential exposures, and vaccinate those who are at risk,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, director and health officer of the Detroit Health Department in a statement.
Free Hepatitis A immunizations are available for uninsured Detroit residents who may have been exposed at one of two locations. Call ahead to make an appointment.
- The Samaritan Center (5555 Conner Street Detroit, MI 48213) at 313-410-8142
- The Family Place (8726 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48202) at 313-410-7803
What is Hepatitis A?
It’s a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus.
It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.
Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal, and sometimes yellow eyes or skin and dark urine. A person can get Hepatitis A when they eat, drink, or touch their mouth with food, liquid or objects (including their hands) that have come into contact with stool from an infected person. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.