The virus is likely to have spread due to contaminated organic strawberries sold between March 5 and April 25.
The United States and Canada have reported an outbreak of hepatitis A, which is likely to have spread due to contaminated organic strawberries.
The strawberries, which were distributed nationwide, were sold under the FreshKampo or HEB brand between March 5 and April 25, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Saturday to the afternoon.
There have been 17 infections reported in the U.S. with 12 hospitalizations, while 10 infections have been reported in Canada. In the U.S., at least 15 cases were reported in California, while in Canada, four cases were reported in Alberta and six in Saskatchewan.
The FDA said the fruit was sold nationwide in at least nine grocery chains, including Trader Joe’s and Walmart, while the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said the berries were sold between 5 and on March 9 in stores in Saskatchewan and Alberta and which were no longer sold. available for purchase in Canada.
“People who bought fresh strawberries and then froze them for later consumption should not eat them. They should be thrown away,” the FDA said.
Here’s what we know about the outbreak:
What is hepatitis A?
According to the FDA, hepatitis A is a contagious virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
It spreads mainly when an uninfected and unvaccinated person eats food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with poor hygiene or sanitation.
The WHO estimates that 7,134 people died from the disease in 2016 (representing 0.5 percent of mortality from viral hepatitis).
However, unlike other types of hepatitis, hepatitis A does not lead to chronic disease. But rarely, a small proportion of infected people could die from acute liver failure.
The World Health Organization says the spread of the virus occurs “sporadically and in epidemics around the world, with a tendency for cyclical recurrences.” Outbreaks related to contaminated food can spread rapidly.
What are the most common symptoms?
The FDA says the most common symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowish eyes and skin.
In some cases, especially with children under the age of six, they may not show any symptoms.
Symptoms usually appear after 14 to 28 days of exposure to the virus and usually last less than two months. According to Canadian health authorities, the mild symptoms can last only a week or two, while the severe symptoms can last up to nine months.
What treatments are available?
According to health authorities, no treatment is available for hepatitis A.
Experts advise infected people to rest, drink fluids and eat well.
The NHS in the UK also advises avoiding alcohol consumption to reduce blood pressure and good hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap and water regularly.
According to Canadian health authorities, the best way to prevent this is to get vaccinated. The risk can also be reduced by washing your hands, having safe food and sexual practices, and food and water precautions.