Greektown Casino employee diagnosed with Hepatitis A; vaccinations for some patrons urged
Kat StaffordA Greektown Casino employee has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A, the Detroit Health Department said Thursday, just two days after it announced a separate case in Detroit.
The department said it believes there is no suspected risk for casino patrons other than those who consumed food or beverages in the private Platinum member card access area between Nov. 11 and Nov. 22.
According to a news release, Greektown Casino, located at 555 East Lafayette, is attempting to contact those patrons to urge them to obtain a vaccination.
As of Thursday, only one Greektown employee is known to have Hepatitis A.
Read more:
McDonald's employee in Detroit diagnosed with Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A cases found at 2 Detroit restaurants; health officials urge testing
The health department said the risk of transmission of Hepatitis A from an employee is usually low. Hepatitis A can potentially be prevented if given a vaccination within two weeks of having come in contact with the virus. Given the low, but potential risk, the Detroit Health Department is recommending vaccination for people who may have eaten in the private Platinum member card access area during the exposure period.
The Detroit Health Department has also notified the casino that 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.
Greektown CEO Jason Gregorec said in a statement that the safety of the casino's guest and employees is of the "utmost importance."
“It is significant to note that while no one else has reported any illness, we are taking all precautions to make certain that the incident remains isolated," Gregorec said.
The news comes two days after a Detroit resident who works as a crew member at a McDonald's on West Grand Boulevard was diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
The Detroit Health Department issued a news release saying it is conducting a thorough investigation at the McDonald's, which is located at 2889 West Grand Blvd., to ensure appropriate food handing and cleaning protocols are being followed.
Contact Katrease Stafford: kstafford@freepress.com or 313-223-4759.