Check Your Berries, Billings! Costco Strawberries May Have Hep A
Late last week, the CDC announced an outbreak of Hepatitis A, which has been narrowed down to frozen organic strawberries imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, by a known supplier.
What should I do?
If you've bought frozen organic strawberries, return them or throw away any remaining strawberries. If you've eaten these recalled frozen organic strawberries within the last 14 days, and are not vaccinated against hepatitis A, contact your local health department or health care provider to discuss "postexposure prophylaxis" (hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin). Getting this treatment within 14 days can help prevent illness.
What strawberries are at risk?
Right now, the CDC has provided the following information on brands/sizes:
What is Hepatitis A?
According to the CDC:
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The hepatitis A virus is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. The hepatitis A virus is spread when someone ingests the virus, usually through close personal contact with an infected person or from eating contaminated food or drink. Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine, which is recommended for all children at age one and adults at risk.
Symptoms include:
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Not wanting to eat
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Throwing up
- Fever
- Dark urine or light-colored stools
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Feeling tired
For more information on this outbreak of Hepatitis A from the CDC, click the button below.
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