
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)
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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