A public health notice has been issued regarding an outbreak of hepatitis A infections in Canada, which officials say may be due to strawberry consumption.
On Friday, May 27, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced that it was cooperating with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada to investigate infections in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
They warn that the affected imported fresh organic strawberries were purchased in Co-op stores in the two provinces between March 5 and 9, 2022, but are no longer available for purchase in Canada.
However, they advise you to check your freezer in case you bought them and froze them for eating at a later date.
\ u201cCheck your freezer if you bought imported fresh organic strawberries between March 5 and 9 from Co-op stores at AB&KK and froze them to eat later. Do not eat these strawberries. Find out more:
– Health Canada and PHAC (@Health Canada and PHAC) 1653829215
As of May 27, there are 10 laboratory-confirmed cases of hepatitis A in people between the ages of 10 and 75 who fell ill in April.
Four people are hospitalized, no deaths have been reported.
“If you suspect that you have been exposed to these organic strawberries or have symptoms corresponding to hepatitis A infection, consult your healthcare provider immediately,” warns PHAC.
“Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A infection if given within 14 days of exposure.”
Some of the symptoms of the disease include fever, dark urine, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps or abdominal pain and jaundice.
They also say that symptoms usually last less than two months and usually appear 14 to 28 days after exposure to the disease. Not everyone who is infected will have symptoms.
“Anyone can get hepatitis A infection,” says PHAC. “Most people who get hepatitis A will recover completely, but the risk of serious complications increases with age and those with major liver disease.
Beware, people!
The cover image of this article is for illustrative purposes only.
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