The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of Hepatitis A potentially linked to organic fresh strawberries.
CNN reports the FDA has issued a warning to consumers who purchased FreshKampo and HEB branded strawberries, between March 5 and April 25, after 17 cases of Hepatitis A were reported this week — 15 in California and one each in Minnesota and North Dakota. Of the 17 cases, twelve individuals have been hospitalized.
The strawberries in question are sold at several grocery store chains, including Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Safeway, Aldi, Walmart and HEB.
“If you are unsure of what brand you purchased, when you purchased your strawberries, or where you purchased them from prior to freezing them, the strawberries should be thrown away,” the FDA said in an official statement.
HEB addressed the outbreak on its website, maintaining that all strawberries sold in its stores are safe. The grocer confirmed on Sunday that it had “not received or sold organic strawberries from the supplier under investigation since April 16.”
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that can ultimately cause liver disease, according to the CDC. The virus is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. Symptoms, which can last for up to two months, include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The best prevention against Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated, the CDC notes.
