Local Hepatitis A Case Linked to National Outbreak
Written by admin, May 12, 2016
May 12, 2016 – Residents Advised to Watch for Symptoms
Today, Peterborough Public Health reported a laboratory-confirmed case of hepatitis A in an individual within its service area who had consumed the recently recalled frozen fruit product: Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend.
“Laboratory testing has confirmed that this case is part of the national outbreak,” said Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health Programs. “The virus strain matches the strain found in other individuals in this outbreak.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a food recall warning on April 15, 2016, for Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen fruit product sold between December 11, 2015, and April 15, 2016, at any Costco location in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, due to possible hepatitis A contamination. People are reminded not to consume the recalled berries, and if they have been consumed, to seek health advice.
Individuals who have served recalled product to others including patrons of food premises, family, friends and colleagues are also encouraged to communicate this potential exposure to Public Health or with these individuals directly.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. The disease is usually mild in children, but can be more serious in adults. Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include fever, aches and pains, headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, skin rash, and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Hepatitis A is found in the feces of infected people. It is spread from person to person through unwashed hands. It is also spread by eating food and drinking water or other liquids that have been contaminated with the hepatitis A virus. Most people infected with the virus get better on their own. There is a safe and effective vaccine that can prevent the spread of hepatitis A, and proper handwashing and infection control measures are also important to protect yourself and others.
For more information, please contact Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 306, or speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391