66 of 76 (87%) ill people interviewed reported eating “Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate mix.

All those who reported eating this product purchased it from Costco markets; however, the product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores. No cases have been identified that bought the product at Harris Teeter at this time.

Investigation by state and local health departments, FDA, and CDC is ongoing. Costco notified its members who purchased this product since late February 2013, and has removed the “Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate mix from its shelves.

FDA has begun an inspection of the processing facilities of Townsend Farms of Fairview, Oregon.

The FDA is also finalizing a protocol to test berries for the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), and will be testing samples related to the outbreak, including the frozen blend for the presence of HAV.

On June 3, 2013, Townsend Farms, Inc. of Fairview, Oregon voluntarily recalled certain lots of its frozen Organic Antioxidant Blend because it has the potential to be contaminated with hepatitis A virus.

Preliminary laboratory studies of specimens from five states suggest the outbreak strain of hepatitis A virus (HAV) is genotype 1B. This strain is rarely seen in the Americas but circulates in the North Africa and Middle East regions.

This genotype was identified in a 2013 outbreak in Europe linked to frozen berries and another 2012 outbreak in British Columbia related to a frozen berry blend with pomegranate seeds from Egypt. However, there is no evidence at this time that these outbreaks are related to the current U.S. outbreak.

According to the label, the “Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate mix associated with illness contained products originating from the U.S., Argentina, Chile, and Turkey.

Hepatitis A is a human disease and usually occurs when an infected food handler prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene. However, food contaminated with HAV, as is suspected in this outbreak, can cause outbreaks of disease among persons who eat or handle food.

Hepatitis A:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Subway, McDonald’s, Chipotle, Quiznos, Chi-Chi’s and Carl’s Jr.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.

Any person who still needs the vaccination is asked to make an appointment with the department’s Immunization Clinic at 4813 New Haven Avenue. The number to call is (260) 449-7514. The vaccine will be given free of charge while supplies last. The Immunization Clinic will be open Tuesday until 7 p.m. to provide the vaccinations. This is by appointment only.

A food worker at the 800 Degrees Three Fires restaurant at 5125 Illinois Road has tested positive for hepatitis A. None of the other employees have hepatitis A symptoms, and so far, no other cases have been identified.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that attacks the liver, causing fever, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).It is spread through exposure to the fecal matter of an infected person, either through close person-to-person contact or through contaminated food or water. There is no specific treatment once symptoms appear, but a vaccination can help lessen the effects of the disease if given within 14 days of exposure.

Patrons who dined or had carry-out from the restaurant between May 21 and May 26, 2013 can still benefit from the vaccination and should make an appointment. Patrons who dined before May 20 are now outside the window of vaccine effectiveness and should instead monitor themselves for symptoms of hepatitis and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Preliminary laboratory studies of specimens from two states suggest the outbreak strain of hepatitis A virus (HAV) is genotype 1B. This strain is rarely seen in the Americas but circulates in the North Africa and Middle East regions.

This genotype was identified in a 2013 outbreak in Europe linked to frozen berries and another 2012 outbreak in British Columbia related to a frozen berry blend with pomegranate seeds from Egypt. The strain of 1B in the current outbreak does not match the European or Canadian outbreaks, however.

According to the label, the “Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate mix associated with illness contained products originating from the U.S., Argentina, Chile, and Turkey.

The CDC reported today that as of June 7, 2013, 79 people with acute hepatitis A infections that may be linked with consumption of a contaminated product have been reported by seven states: Arizona, California Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington. These numbers are expected to change as the investigation continues.

15 (60%) ill people are women

All people are ages 18 or older, ranging from 24 – 71 years

Illness onset dates range from 4/29/2013 – 5/21/2013

11 (44%) ill people have been hospitalized

19 (76%) of 25 ill people interviewed reported eating ‘Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend,’ a frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix

19 persons reported purchasing this product from ‘Costco’ markets; however, investigations are ongoing to determine if this product was sold at other stores or venues.

Investigation by state health departments, FDA, and CDC is ongoing. Costco is notifying its members who purchased this product since late February 2013, and has removed this product from its shelves

Preliminary laboratory studies of specimens from two cases suggest the outbreak strain of hepatitis A virus (HAV) is genotype 1B. This strain is rarely seen in the Americas but circulates in the North Africa and Middle East regions.

This genotype was identified in a 2013 outbreak in Europe linked to frozen berries and another 2012 outbreak in British Columbia related to a frozen berry blend with pomegranate seeds from Egypt.

According to the label, The Townsend Farms Organic Anti-oxidant Blend frozen berry mix associated with illness contained pomegranate seeds and other produce from the US, Argentina, Chile, and Turkey.

Hepatitis A is a human disease and usually occurs when an infected food handler prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene. However, food contaminated with HAV, as is suspected in this outbreak, can cause outbreaks of disease among persons who eat or handle food.

State Health officials say they are investigating two cases of people who may have contracted the illness from the product.

Both patients are adults — one lives on Oahu, the other on Kauai. Dozens more cases on the mainland are linked to Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend, which contains pomegranate seed mix.

The company has removed the product from stores and is attempting to contact members who purchased the product in recent months.

Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries purchased from Costco appear to be the source of the outbreak. This blend includes cherries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, raspberries and strawberries. Costco has removed this product from its shelves, although a formal recall has not been issued. The CDPHE is advising people to check their freezers and dispose of the product if found.

Approximately 30 cases of hepatitis A have been reported from five states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California. The first people became ill on April 29 and the most recent on May 21.

Five of the cases are Colorado residents, including one in Eagle County. Three women and two men have become ill. The other Colorado cases reside in Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek and Jefferson counties and range in age from 35 to 71 years. The number of cases in the outbreak may change, because on average it takes 30 days to become ill with hepatitis A after eating contaminated food.

The risk of contracting hepatitis A from eating these berries is low. However, those who have eaten Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries during the past 14 days should contact their medical provider or pharmacist. The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Some people should receive immune globulin instead of the hepatitis A vaccine. People who have consumed the berries should discuss with their doctor whether they should receive the vaccine or immune globulin.

Starting Monday, June 3, Eagle County Public Health will offer the hepatitis A vaccine at its Avon and Eagle locations at 100 W. Beaver Creek Blvd. Suite107 and at 551 Broadway, respectively. The offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome; no appointment is necessary. Those who have received hepatitis A vaccine in the past do not need to be revaccinated.

If it has been more than 14 days since the berries were consumed, the vaccine won’t be effective preventing infection. People who ate the berries more than 14 days ago should monitor for symptoms and contact their physician if they become ill.

Early signs of hepatitis A appear two to six weeks after exposure. Symptoms commonly include mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, dark urine and jaundice (yellow eyes or skin). It is very important for those experiencing these symptoms not to go to work, especially those who work in food service, health care or child care.

The disease varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more severe cases lasting four to six weeks or longer. Hepatitis A infection can be severe and can result in hospitalization. Some individuals, especially children, may not develop jaundice and may have an illness so mild it can go unnoticed. However, even mildly ill people can be highly infectious. People with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis should consult a physician immediately, even if symptoms are mild.

Hepatitis A virus is spread as a result of fecal contamination (fecal-oral route) and may be spread from person to person through close contact or through food handling. The virus is commonly spread by contaminated food or beverages. People are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis A when they have been in close contact with an infected person.

The FDA is further investigating the product, including testing berries for the hepatitis A virus. The investigation may take several weeks to complete.

That is coming a bit late for some patrons at the High Hampton Inn restaurant in Cashiers, North Carolina.  Public health officials are investigating a report of an isolated case of Hepatitis A in an employee at the High Hampton Inn restaurant in Cashiers, North Carolina.

As a precautionary measure, the Jackson County Department of Public Health is asking any people who ate at the High Hampton Inn restaurant from April 26-29 or May 1, 2013 to contact the health department for information on how to avoid illness in the event of exposure.

We have been retained by two of those people.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It is usually spread by eating or drinking items that have been contaminated with the virus or by close personal contact with an infected person. Symptoms appear 2–7 weeks after exposure and commonly include fever, a feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort; urine may become darker in color and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) may appear. Some individuals, especially children, may not develop jaundice, and may have an illness so mild that it can go unnoticed. However, even mildly ill persons can still be highly infectious.

Illness may be avoided if hepatitis vaccine or another protective medicine is given within 14 days of exposure or if an exposed individual has previously had a hepatitis A infection or vaccine. There is no specific treatment for the disease; however, most people recover without complications after several weeks. People who have pre-existing liver problems can become extremely ill if they contract hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Subway, McDonald’s, Chipotle, Quiznos, Chi-Chi’s and Carl’s Jr.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.

Any patron who ate at High Hampton Inn between April 26 and May 1 is considered at risk, according to the Jackson County Health Department. Those exposed could experience symptoms as early as May 10 and as late as June 20.

It is recommended restaurant patrons get a hepatitis A vaccine as a precautionary measure.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is usually spread by eating or drinking items that have been contaminated with the virus or by close personal contact with an infected person. Symptoms appear two to seven weeks after exposure and commonly include fever, a feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort. Urine may become darker in color and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) can appear.

The health department noted that some individuals, particularly children, might not develop jaundice and have an illness so mild that it goes unnoticed. However, even mildly ill people can still be highly infectious. There is no specific treatment once a person has hepatitis A, the health department said, and most people recover without complications after several weeks. People who have pre-existing liver problems can become extremely ill if they contract hepatitis A. Anyone experiencing symptoms should see a doctor.

Hepatitis A:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Subway, McDonald’s, Chipotle, Quiznos, Chi-Chi’s and Carl’s Jr.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.

“While the risk to public health is low, the possibility exists that Papa Murphy’s customers may have been exposed to hepatitis A,” said SIPH in a press release.

People who ate uncooked food, such as uncooked pizza toppings or salads, at the Chubbuck Papa Murphy’s on the three specified dates and are not immunized against hepatitis A should receive the hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin immediately, advises the health department.

While both the vaccine and immune globulin are available through most healthcare providers, SIPH will also be offering these options for people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The department will be holding vaccine clinics Friday and Saturday.

Anyone who ate at the establishment between April 6 and April 18 should contact a medical provider if they are experiencing symptoms of hepatitis A infection, including fever, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, fatigue, nausea or dark urine.

We filed a recent Class Action in New York and have seen more that a few problems over the years:

• Carl’s Jr. Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Washington (2000)
• Chi-Chi’s Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Pennsylvania (2003)
• Chipotle Grill Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – California (2008)
• D’Angelo’s Deli Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Massachusetts (2001)
• Friendly’s Hepatitis A Exposure Lawsuit – Massachusetts (2004)
• Houlihan’s Hepatitis A Exposure Lawsuit – Illinois (2007)
• Maple Lawn Dairy Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuit – New York (2004)
• McDonald’s Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuit – Washington (1998)
• McDonald’s Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Illinois (2009)
• Olive Garden Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuit – North Carolina (2011)
• Quizno’s Hepatitis A Exposure Lawsuit – Massachusetts (2004)
• Soleil Produce Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – California (2005)
• Subway Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Washington (1999)
• Taco Bell Hepatitis A Outbreak Lawsuits – Florida (2000)

There are at least 35 people sickened in Denmark, and another 36 sickened between Finland, Norway and Sweden. Swedish authorities say the country is experiencing ten times the normal number of Hepatitis A cases so far this year.

Most case patients reported consuming berries or smoothies around the time of exposure, but investigators have not identified a specific brand or berry origin.

This is the first foodborne Hepatitis A outbreak of nordic origin, Eurosurveillance said.

Due to Hepatitis A’s incubation range of 15 to 50 days, and the delay involved in reporting the disease, authorities expect more illnesses to surface in the coming weeks.