Westside Market Customers urged to get vaccinated for hepatitis A.

Customers who ate chopped, ready-to-eat fruit from Westside Market at 2589 Broadway between August 9 and August 22 may have been exposed to hepatitis A, according to New York City Health Department officials.  A food handler at Westside Market reported a case of Hepatitis A, and now customers of the market are urged to get a vaccination as a precaution.

The disease is spread by eating food that has been contaminated with traces of fecal matter from an infected person.

The fruits, which included watermelon, pineapples and coconut, were sold in plastic containers. Fruits involved include those packaged in plastic containers and sold in the refrigerated case immediately to the left as you enter the store and includes watermelon cut into halves and quarters; peeled whole pineapples; and shelled and cut coconut.

People can visit their regular doctor to receive this shot.

The Health Department will offer free hepatitis A vaccinations starting Friday at MS 258: Community Action School located at 154 West 93rdStreet New York, NY 10025 at the following times:

Friday, August 23: 2pm -8pm
Saturday, August 24: 10am -2pm
Sunday, August 25: 2pm -6pm
Monday, August 26: 2pm-8pm

(Those with insurance, please bring your insurance card with you)

People who were exposed but have already received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine sometime in their life do not need another shot; all others should be vaccinated.

Pregnant women are urged to consult with their doctor to discuss whether to receive vaccine or a different preventive treatment.