Bob
18th February 2015, 21:04
Outbreak of Hepatitis A (HEP-A) from Berries
Australian Associated Press
Friday 13 February 2015
(Source (http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/14/consumer-warning-over-frozen-berries-linked-to-hepatitis-a-in-australia))
People are being urged to dump a brand of frozen berries that have been linked to hepatitis A infections in Victoria and New South Wales.
Victoria’s health department has urged consumers to dispose of 1kg packets of Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berries, which are sold in major supermarkets including Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores.
Four adults, three in Victoria and one in NSW, have contracted potentially deadly hepatitis A after consuming the imported fruit.
The health department has also told the company to recall the product, which is distributed by Patties in Victoria, but packed in China.
It contains strawberries, raspberries and blackberries from China and blueberries from Chile.
Hepatitis A is spread when traces of faecal matter containing the virus come in contact with hands, water or food, and then enters a person’s mouth.
Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, says frozen berries have been tied to outbreaks of the virus in the past.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include abdominal pain, nausea and fever as well as yellow skin and eyes.
The outbreak comes as a number of Victorian hospitals are told to dispose of chocolate mousse, which has been found to contain listeria.
Hospitals are contacting patients who might have consumed the dessert between 29 January and 10 February.
Australian Associated Press
Friday 13 February 2015
(Source (http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/14/consumer-warning-over-frozen-berries-linked-to-hepatitis-a-in-australia))
People are being urged to dump a brand of frozen berries that have been linked to hepatitis A infections in Victoria and New South Wales.
Victoria’s health department has urged consumers to dispose of 1kg packets of Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berries, which are sold in major supermarkets including Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores.
Four adults, three in Victoria and one in NSW, have contracted potentially deadly hepatitis A after consuming the imported fruit.
The health department has also told the company to recall the product, which is distributed by Patties in Victoria, but packed in China.
It contains strawberries, raspberries and blackberries from China and blueberries from Chile.
Hepatitis A is spread when traces of faecal matter containing the virus come in contact with hands, water or food, and then enters a person’s mouth.
Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, says frozen berries have been tied to outbreaks of the virus in the past.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include abdominal pain, nausea and fever as well as yellow skin and eyes.
The outbreak comes as a number of Victorian hospitals are told to dispose of chocolate mousse, which has been found to contain listeria.
Hospitals are contacting patients who might have consumed the dessert between 29 January and 10 February.