Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Organic Strawberries Leaves 13 Hospitalized

The CDC confirmed “one additional probable case related to this outbreak,” bringing the total number of cases to 18 across three states.

On June 7, the CDC updated the number of cases. 13 of the 18 patients who reported being sick had been hospitalized. Previously, it was reported that 17 were infected, and only 12 were hospitalized.

So far, cases of hepatitis A linked to the outbreak have been documented in California, Minnesota, and North Dakota. 

The CDC noted that 11 out of 14 people who were interviewed said they had eaten fresh organic strawberries before becoming ill.

According to officials, the potentially affected products have reached the end of their shelf life and are no longer available in stores.

Between March and April this year, they were still available at major retailers. The recalled product may have been sold at HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Weis Markets, and WinCo Foods,

One of Urban Remedy’s products has also been recalled because it may have been manufactured using strawberries linked to the incident.

According to a recall notice issued by the FDA, specific batches of its Urban Remedy Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose have the “potential to be contaminated with Hepatitis A.”

Hepatitis A can make people sick for a few weeks or months. Consumers will likely develop symptoms such as yellow skin or eyes, upset stomach, stomach discomfort, nausea, weariness, joint pain, diarrhea, or fever.