Strawberries recalled due to hepatitis A outbreaks in several states and in Canada

Fresh strawberries have been linked to the hepatitis A outbreak in North America, triggering a recall according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The strawberry brands FreshKampo and HEB are being recalled because they appear to be the culprit behind a hepatitis A outbreak. So far, at least 17 people have been infected and 12 have been hospitalized due to liver disease in the United States, according to a FDA report. No deaths have been reported.

The FDA posted a tweet that said: “The FDA, along with the CDC, Canadian, state and local partners are investigating a multi-state outbreak of hepatitis A in the US and Canada potentially linked to fresh organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo & HEB, purchased between March 5 and 25. April.”

The FDA stated on its website that the fresh organic strawberries were sold between March 5, 2022 and April 25, 2022 at the following retailers, including but not limited to: Aldi, HEB Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Weis Markets and WinCo Foods

The FDA informed that if you bought strawberries during that period and froze them for later use, or if you are unsure which brand you bought before freezing them, it is best to throw away the strawberries.

Those who ate the strawberries should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The FDA, for its part, stated, “If consumers bought fresh organic strawberries labeled as FreshKampo or HEB between March 5, 2022 and April 25, 2022, ate these berries in the last two weeks and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should Immediately consult your healthcare provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. ”

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Health experts explained to Fox News that PEP consists of administering a single dose of hepatitis A vaccine or immunoglobulin during the 2-week exposure period. This dose can produce an immune response to the virus to help counteract it, according to experts.

The FDA said that those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A infection do not require PEP.

Just above the view of fresh red strawberries. All strawberries are clean with green leaves.
(iStock)

Dr. Douglas Dieterich is Professor of Medicine in the Department of Liver Diseases and Director of Medical Education at the Department of Medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Dieterich told Fox News that it is important to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, and it is now common for children to receive this vaccine.

Dieterich explained to Fox News that hepatitis A is a type of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus. Dieterich said that an infected person can get sick for a few weeks to several months and usually recover. However, health experts warn that hepatitis A can in some cases cause liver failure and even death in the elderly, or those with serious health problems or weakened immune systems and those with a history of liver disease such as hepatitis B or C.

According to the CDC, hepatitis can spread from close, personal contact with an infected person and through contaminated food. Hand washing is an important method of preventing the spread, experts told Fox News. Common symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Symptoms usually begin 14 to 28 days after exposure to the virus, experts said.

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The FDA said this is an ongoing investigation and additional products may be included in the recall. The federal agency said more information will be provided as it becomes available.