There are now eleven cases of hepatitis A in three provinces related to an outbreak linked to Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Ontario has eight reported cases, Quebec has two and Newfoundland and Labrador have reported one case of hepatitis A. A case in Greater Sudbury is possibly one of those Ontario cases.
Individuals became sick in February and March of this year. The majority of the individuals who became ill have reported eating the recalled product, the Public Health Agency said in a release this afternoon.
The majority of cases (73 per cent) are male, with an average age of 43. Four cases have been required the person to be hospitalized.
The number of cases of hepatitis A linked to this outbreak has decreased since the previous update as recent laboratory evidence has excluded some cases of hepatitis A from the investigation.
Who is at risk?
Hepatitis A infections can occur among people of all ages; however, although rare, the severity of illness increases with age. Those with underlying liver disease are also at increased risk for severe illness.
What should you do to protect your health?
If you have Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen fruit in your home, do not eat this product. For more information, including stores that these products were sold at, please read the recall notice.
If you are unsure whether a frozen fruit product you have in your home is part of the food recall warning, do not consume it. Secure the product in a plastic bag, throw it out and wash your hands with warm soapy water.
If you suspect you have been exposed to the recalled product, or have symptoms consistent for hepatitis A, see your health care provider immediately.
Vaccination can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within two weeks of exposure. Costco Canada is offering free hepatitis A vaccination for anyone who has been affected by the product recall. For more information on Costco's actions please consult their website.
The Sudbury and District Health Unit is also offering vaccinations.
Symptoms
People infected with hepatitis A can have a wide range of symptoms. Some do not get sick at all, though they can still spread the infection to others. Others may experience symptoms including fatigue and jaundice.
Most people with hepatitis A develop the following symptoms two to seven weeks after being infected with the virus:
- fever
- loss of appetite
- stomach cramps
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- dark urine
- fatigue
Symptoms are usually mild, and the illness usually lasts one to two weeks. Although severe cases can last several months, most people recover without treatment. It is rare for healthy adults to die from hepatitis A, and the illness does not become chronic.
There is an approved vaccine for hepatitis A. If you are immune hepatitis A (because you already had the virus or you have been vaccinated), the immunity will last your entire life.
