An outbreak of hepatitis A in Western states associated with frozen mixed berries purchased at Costco does not include victims in Southwest Colorado, a statement from the San Juan Basin Health Department said Monday.
“But while there are no Costcos in our immediate area, there’s a possibility that individuals may have purchased these berries elsewhere or consumed them while visiting relatives or friends in other areas,” said Bari Wagner, an epidemiologist at the health department.
The risk of contracting hepatitis A from eating the berries is low, Wagner said. But anyone who has eaten Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries in the last 14 days should contact a medical provider.
The estimated 30 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California. The first person became ill April 29, and the last case was reported May 21. Ages ranged from 25 to 71.
The five Colorado cases – three women and two men – occurred in Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek, Eagle and Jefferson counties.
Among fruit blends connected to the hepatitis A outbreak are cherries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, raspberries and strawberries.
Costco has removed the fruit blends from shelves, but a recall has not been initiated. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment urges people to dispose of any of the suspected berries.
Wagner said anyone who has eaten the suspected berries within the last two weeks should get immunized. Anyone already immunized doesn’t need another shot.
Early signs of hepatitis A, a liver disease, appear two to six weeks after exposure. The signs are a mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
An Associated Press story Monday said the Food and Drug Administration is inspecting the processing facilities of Townsend Farms of Fairview, Ore.
This particular strain of hepatitis A is rarely found in North or South America, but it is found in North Africa and Middle East regions, the report said.
The AP quoted a lawyer from Townsend Farms as saying the pomegranate seeds are from Turkey and are used only in the product associated with the outbreak. The lawyer said Costco is believed to be the only company that bought the product.
Mild cases of hepatitis A last two weeks, severe cases four to six weeks. A severe case can result in hospitalization.
The hepatitis A virus is spread through fecal contamination and may be spread from person to person through close contact or food handling.
daler@durangoherald.com
