Dr. Mark Horton, Director of the California Department of Public Health, today warned of possible hepatitis A exposure to Californians who consumed complimentary smoothies at the JumpSport booth at the USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California on Aug. 16-17th.
The smoothies provided at the JumpSport booth were prepared at the Jamba Juice store in Willow Glen, San Jose where it was announced last week that an employee was diagnosed with hepatitis A, the employee was treated. The infected employee had a limited role in preparing the smoothies and is likely to have followed good hand hygiene and food safety practices. Therefore, there is a low risk of exposure to those who drank the smoothies.
Individuals who did drink smoothies and who have not been previously infected or vaccinated against hepatitis A should contact their health care provider for consideration of a hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin, which can help prevent hepatitis A if given within fourteen days of exposure. The incubation period for hepatitis A is 15-50 days after exposure.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and fever. Symptoms usually last less than 2 months although some individuals may be ill for as long as 6 months.
Jamba Juice will pay eligible individuals, who satisfy the reimbursement requirements, their reasonable, out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis A. For the reimbursement policy and form, please call Jamba Juice at 1-877-217-4780.
Further information about hepatitis A is available at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/Pages/HepatitisA.aspx