Quick, Throw Out All Your Frozen Strawberries!
That morning mixed berry smoothie may have secretly been infested with disease. Okay, probably not, but maybe? An outbreak of hepatitis A has been reported and linked to frozen strawberries, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
The Department released a report a few days ago announcing an investigation of hepatitis A cases in the state that have been linked to smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Café restaurants in Virginia. Forty-four people between the ages of 15 to 68 have been diagnosed.
The Department of Health writes, “The illnesses were caused by a strain of hepatitis A that had been associated with past outbreaks due to frozen strawberries from Egypt. Frozen Egyptian strawberries used at Tropical Smoothie Café are thought to be the source of this outbreak.”
A message from our CEO regarding Virginia area cafes.
A message from our CEO regarding Virginia area cafes.
Posted by Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Sunday, August 21, 2016
Even if you didn’t grab a smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Café, the department advises anyone who has eaten frozen strawberries at a restaurant within the last 50 days to watch for symptoms of hepatitis A. Some of which include: jaundice, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
If you have had hepatitis A before or have been vaccinated it, you are already immune. If you have not, it is advised you get checked ASAP. Even if you had a strawberry smoothie last week and feel a-okay, be aware that symptoms develop 15-50 days after exposure.
Have you been affected by this outbreak? Share your story with us on Twitter @BritandCo.
(Photo via Getty)
