Hepatitis A Outbreak Potentially Linked To Fresh Strawberries: FDA

ACROSS AMERICA — Fresh organic strawberries have been determined as a likely cause of a multi-state outbreak of hepatitis A, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Traceback investigations established a potential link between the hepatitis A outbreak and FreshKampo and H-E-B branded strawberries bought between March 5 and April 25. People in California, Minnesota, and Canada reported having purchased fresh organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo or H-E-B prior to becoming ill, according to authorities.

There have been 17 reported cases of hepatitis A in California, Minnesota and North Dakota, resulting in 12 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported, according to the FDA.

The illnesses began between March 28 and April 30, officials said.

The strawberries were sold at retailers across the United States, including, but not limited to:

• Aldi
• H-E-B
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Sprouts Farmers Market
• Trader Joe’s
• Walmart
• Weis Markets
• WinCo Foods

Potentially affected strawberries are past shelf life, but anyone who purchased FreshKampo or H-E-B brand strawberries between those dates and froze them for later use should dispose of the food. People unsure which brand of strawberries they bought in that date range should dispose of them as a precaution, according to the FDA.

Anyone who ate potentially affected strawberries in the last two weeks and has not been vaccinated against hepatitis A is urged to immediately consult with their doctor to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed. Those who have previously been vaccinated against or contracted hepatitis A do not require the treatment, officials said.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. The severity of the illness varies with some mild cases lasting a few weeks to more severe cases lasting several months. In rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death, especially in people with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool.