Hepatitis A Smoothie Outbreak Now Numbers 80 in Virginia; 45 in Northern Virginia

As of Thursday, Virginia is now looking at an outbreak of 80 cases of hepatitis A linked to consuming strawberry smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Cafes, the Virginia Department of Health reported. That's a jump of 10 cases since Tuesday.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating the outbreak of hepatitis A cases and has identified a potential association with smoothies that contained frozen strawberries imported from Egypt suspected to be contaminated with the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease.

The contaminated smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafes were consumed before August 9, the VDH noted. Tropical Smoothie Cafes in Virginia ensured the strawberries were removed from use at all their restaurant locations by or before August 9, the VDH said.

Anyone who consumed a smoothie with frozen strawberries at a restaurant within the last 50 days is encouraged to watch for symptoms of hepatitis A, the Virginia Department of Health advises. If illness occurs, seek medical care and take steps to protect others from the infection, VDH warns.

“This situation should not have happened and we are determined to keep it from happening again,” Tropical Smoothie Café said in a statement.

The CDC has stepped in and notes that although the majority of the cases are in Virginia, they are also receiving reports of cases in other states as well, either where Tropical Smoothie Cafes are located (Maryland and West Virginia) or where residents live (New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Wisconsin) who traveled to other states.

Also read: Was Hepatitis A Warning Too Late in Virginia?

Of the now 80 hepatitis A cases in Virginia, approximately 41 percent of the residents, for whom information is available, have been hospitalized for their illness, the VDH reported. The 80 ill residents range in age from 14 to 68. Onsets of illness for the 80 cases range from early May through September. The count by region is:

• Northern (which includes Northern Virginia suburbs): 45
• Northwest: 11
• Eastern: 10
• Southwest: 0

Not everyone will experience symptoms from a hepatitis A virus infection, according to the CDC. Some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include:

• Yellow eyes or skin
• Abdominal pain
• Pale stools
• Dark urine

Read more about the outbreak of hepatitis A on the CDC Web site.

PHOTO of strawberries courtesy of USDA