Virginia Department of Health offices say that a cluster of hepatitis A cases may be associated to smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Cafe restaurants in Virginia.
Testing linked the illnesses to a strain of hepatitis A found in frozen strawberries from Egypt that caused past outbreaks, according to a statewide news release from the health department. Tropical Smoothie Cafe immediately withdrew all strawberries sourced from Egypt and found an alternate supply, according to the health department.
Anyone who consumed a smoothie with frozen strawberries within the last 50 days is encouraged to watch for symptoms of hepatitis A including jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or the eyes. If illness occurs, seek medical care and take steps to protect others from the infection.
Anyone who consumed a smoothie from a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Virginia containing frozen strawberries on August 5, 6, 7 or 8, 2016, may still benefit from a vaccine or immune globulin to prevent the disease. Anyone who has had hepatitis A or has been vaccinated is already immune, and not at risk for getting the disease, health officials said.
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and light-colored stools. Symptoms develop between 15 and 50 days after exposure, which occurs through direct contact with another person who has the infection or by consuming contaminated food or drink.
Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, or before preparing food can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A.
It is very important for people who have symptoms of hepatitis A to stay home from work, especially if they work in food service.
Other restaurants may also have received the frozen strawberries imported from Egypt. State health department is working with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify additional locations where the product may have been distributed, the statement said.
Source :http://www.richmond.com/
TAGS: Tropical Smoothie Cafe Hepatitis A Virginia
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