Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Organic Strawberries
The CDC recently issued an alert identifying fresh organic strawberries as the source of a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A. At the time of the release, the CDC identified 17 outbreak-associated hepatitis A cases. To date, all confirmed outbreak cases originated in California, North Dakota, or Minnesota. 15 of the 17 cases originated in California. Minnesota and North Dakota additionally confirm one case of hepatitis A linked to strawberries.
If you purchased any FreshKampo or HEB-branded organic strawberries between March 5 and April 30, 2022, and then froze those strawberries for later consumption, health authorities recommend that you throw them away, as they pose a risk of hepatitis A infection.
About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that causes inflammation of the liver and can cause more severe health problems including liver failure and death. Symptom onset usually occurs 15 to 50 days after eating contaminated food. These symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, nausea, jaundice, abdominal (stomach) pain, dark urine, and pale stools. Asymptomatic infections do occur, particularly in children under the age of six.
Though typically spread by person-to-person contact, hepatitis A also spreads when people consume contaminated food or drink. The most frequently cited foodborne sources of hepatitis A include water, shellfish, raw vegetables and fruit (such as strawberries), and salads.
While symptoms usually last less than two months, some people remain ill for half a year. If you experience symptoms, a doctor can determine whether you have hepatitis A by taking a blood sample. To treat symptoms, doctors typically recommend rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Some people require treatment in a hospital, however, so make sure to visit a doctor if you suspect that you may be ill.