Trader Joe's employee tests positive for Hepatitis A

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — After a Trader Joe's employee in Cambridge tested positive for Hepatitis A, health officials are hoping to put fears at ease.

The Cambridge Department of Public Health said they've already identified and contacted other employees who were exposed, so there is no current indication of a risk for those who shop at the Alewife Trader Joe's.

State officials told Boston 25 News that they notified local health officials in Cambridge last Thursday -- and they have been working to confirm the vaccination status of fellow workers who may have been exposed.

The highly contagious liver infection can mostly spread if an infected person touches something without washing their hands properly.

"The fear is probably the worst thing about the whole thing," said customer Barbara Waldorf.

But t hose who frequent this location aren't overly worried, since most of the items at Trader Joe's come prepackaged.    

"The person is going to get better and I' m not concerned," said shopper, Nikki Moore. "I'm a doctor and I don't think it's a big deal."     

The Cambridge Public Health Department said it will continue to actively monitor the situation at this Trader Joe's until the end of the month. They determined that the infected employee's contagious period began in mid-February and ended on March 10.

Local health officials added that of the employees who were exposed to Hepatitis A, many have shown they are immune or got vaccinated within the necessary time frame to prevent infection.   Those who have not done so, will be excluded from work.

Cox Media Group