Disease Outbreak Due To Organic Strawberries Causing Hepatitis A Epidemic
Several health agencies in the US & Canada are investigating a hepatitis-A outbreak potentially connected to organic strawberries purchased in March and April.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers against eating strawberry brands FreshKampo and HEB.
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These strawberries are sold at major grocery stores including Aldi, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and other major chains.
Epidemiologic and traceback data show that fresh organic strawberries were purchased between March 5, 2022, and April 25, 2022, are a likely cause of illness in this outbreak.
A total of 17 cases were reported in the U.S., including 15 in California, one in Minnesota and one in North Dakota, and 12 hospitalizations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday said that 650 pediatric cases of severe hepatitis have been reported in 33 countries between April 5 & May 26.
Symptoms of hepatitis-A infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and typically occur after someone eats or drinks contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus majorly effects liver, says the FDA. Its Infections recover within one to two weeks, though in rare cases, it may become chronic.