Townsend Farms brand frozen mixed berries sold at Costco are associated with an outbreak of hepatitis A that has sickened 32 people in six states and put nine people in the hospital. About 1 of every 5 people with hepatitis A requires hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Townsend Farms Antioxidant Blend Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Symptoms, which can take two to seven weeks after exposure to develop, include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Sometimes, a person who is infected may have no symptoms at all. Others may have mild illness lasting a couple of weeks and some may have severe illness lasting several months.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Normally, the virus runs its course and the liver heals with no lasting damage. But, in rare cases, hepatitis A can cause liver failure which requires hospitalization and, sometimes, a liver transplant. The loss of liver function usually occurs suddenly.
There is a vaccination for hepatitis A which is effective in preventing illness if taken within the first two weeks of exposure. Anyone who has eaten the berries associated with this recall should see a health care provider about getting vaccinated.
Although an official recall of the berries has not been issued, consumers should not eat the berries associated with this outbreak. The Townsend Farms brand Antioxidant Blend which contain tart cherries, pomegranate seeds (also called arils), blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, were sold at Costco, and possibly other stores.
