The Kern County Public Health Department worked with the CDC and FDA Friday to warn the public of an outbreak of hepatitis A cases believed to be associated with frozen mixed berries purchased at Costco.
Approximately 30 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in five states, including California. The other states with reported cases include Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona.
No cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Kern County associated with this outbreak, the Public Health Department reported.
The first people became ill on April 29th and the most recent on May 21st. The CDC reported Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries purchased from Costco appeared to be the source of this outbreak. The blend includes cherries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, raspberries and strawberries.
Costco has removed this product from its shelves, although a formal recall has not been issued, the Kern Public Health Department reported. The FDA is further investigating this product, including testing berries for the hepatitis A virus. The investigation may take several weeks to complete, officials said.
Consumers were asked to check their freezers for the fruit product and dispose of it.
The CDC recommended individuals who had eaten the berry mix within the last 14 days to contact a medical provider for an immunization.
On average, symptoms of hepatitis A occur within two to six weeks after exposure and may include fever, fatigue, body ache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark colored urine and pale stools. Jaundice or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes may follow.
The illness usually lasts 1-2 weeks, although in rare cases, symptoms can be severe and recovery can take several months, the Kern Public Health Department reported.
Officials say those showing symptoms should not go to work, especially those who work in food service, health care or child care.
Approximately 30 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in five states, including California. The other states with reported cases include Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona.
No cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Kern County associated with this outbreak, the Public Health Department reported.
The first people became ill on April 29th and the most recent on May 21st. The CDC reported Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries purchased from Costco appeared to be the source of this outbreak. The blend includes cherries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, raspberries and strawberries.
Costco has removed this product from its shelves, although a formal recall has not been issued, the Kern Public Health Department reported. The FDA is further investigating this product, including testing berries for the hepatitis A virus. The investigation may take several weeks to complete, officials said.
Consumers were asked to check their freezers for the fruit product and dispose of it.
The CDC recommended individuals who had eaten the berry mix within the last 14 days to contact a medical provider for an immunization.
On average, symptoms of hepatitis A occur within two to six weeks after exposure and may include fever, fatigue, body ache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark colored urine and pale stools. Jaundice or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes may follow.
The illness usually lasts 1-2 weeks, although in rare cases, symptoms can be severe and recovery can take several months, the Kern Public Health Department reported.
Officials say those showing symptoms should not go to work, especially those who work in food service, health care or child care.