Photo: Public Health Agency of Canada
Imported fresh organic strawberries are linked to several cases of hepatitis A in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Food Inspection Agency of Canada are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A infections in two provinces, which is believed to be related to imported fresh organic strawberries.
Last Friday, May 27, 10 confirmed laboratory cases of the disease were investigated: four in Alberta and six in Saskatchewan, in people between the ages of 10 and 75. Four people had to be hospitalized.
U.S. authorities are also investigating an outbreak that has killed about 20 people and sent a dozen to hospitals in California, Minnesota and North Dakota.
The FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the strawberries were branded as FreshKampo and HEB and were purchased between March 5 and April 25. They were distributed nationwide and sold to various retailers such as Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts. Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Weis Markets and WinCo Foods.
The PHAC issued a warning late last week that, according to findings so far, hepatitis A infections in Alberta and Saskatchewan date back to the consumption of fresh organic strawberries purchased between March 5 and 9, 2022 at Co-op stores
The product in question can no longer be purchased in Canada, but some people may have purchased it and frozen the fruit for later use. Consumers are warned to check their freezers and if you don’t know where the strawberries come from, throw them away.
PHAC adds that if you suspect that you have been exposed to these organic strawberries or have symptoms compatible with hepatitis A infection, consult your healthcare provider immediately. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A infection if given within 14 days of exposure.
Symptoms of the disease include:
- fever
- dark urine
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Symptoms usually appear 14 to 28 days after being exposed to hepatitis A, but can appear up to 50 days later.
Symptoms usually last less than two months. Mild symptoms can last only a week or two, while severe symptoms can last up to nine months.
To date, the PHAC has not announced any outbreak-related cases in provinces other than Alberta or Saskatchewan.