Robert L. Ohlson Robert L. Ohlson 
The US Food and Drug Administration is investigating a possible connection between an outbreak of Hepatitis A and fresh organic strawberry harvests. According to the FDA, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (state and regional partners) determined that the strawberries were FreshKampo and HEB and were purchased between March to April month. They were sold in a variety of stores, including Safeway, Aldi, and HEB as well as Kroger.
FDA has declared that strawberries potentially affected by the virus have passed their expiration dates. People who have frozen the strawberries for later use should not eat them. They further advised that strawberries should be used and thrown away immediately if you aren’t sure about the brand.
Between March 28th and April 30th, people got sick. FDA reported that 17 cases of hepatitis had been identified in California, Minnesota, and North Dakota. This led to 12 hospitalizations. Traceback investigations revealed that the strawberry was purchased in three cases in California, Canada, and Minnesota. The investigation is ongoing and more products may be discovered.
FDA recommends that anyone who has eaten strawberries within the past 2 weeks and has not had hepatitis, a vaccination should consult a healthcare professional to determine whether prophylaxis is necessary for post-exposure. Anyone who suspects they may have hepatitis should consult a doctor. If the person notices any symptoms after eating strawberries, should consult their doctor.
According to the CDC, symptoms of hepatitis C typically present between two and seven days after infection. They usually last for no more than two weeks. There are many symptoms that could occur, and not everyone will experience all of them. These symptoms include nausea and yellowing of the eyes or skin. One person may become ill for up to six months. Adults with the disease are more likely to develop symptoms than children.
