Hepatitis Outbreak May Be Linked To Local Market

Washington, DC - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses and believe that fresh conventional (non-organic) blackberries from the grocery store, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, might possibly be the cause.

According to a CDC news release, 14 illnesses have been reported so far, and based on their investigations ill patients reported consuming fresh conventional blackberries from Fresh Thyme Farmers Market stores in five states: Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and here in Omaha.

However, when those purchases were traced back it was found the berries came from a distribution center that ships fresh berries to Fresh Thyme Farmers Market stores in 11 states: IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, MN, NE, OH, PA, and WI.

This week Fresh Thyme released a statement confirming it was working with FDA to identify the suppliers and isolate the source of the contamination, adding :

“At this time, there is no reason to believe that any of the product was contaminated via handling in our stores. In addition, the agencies are ONLY concerned with product purchased between September 9 and September 30; product purchased or consumed outside of these dates are NOT subject to the investigation.”

If consumers purchased fresh conventional (non-organic) blackberries between September 9th and 30th this year, at a Fresh Thyme Farmers Market store then the FDA is urging you not to eat them. Similarly, anyone who purchased the berries fresh but then froze them is also urged to throw them away. Indicated berries can also be returned to Fresh Thyme for a refund.

Fresh Thyme also urges any Douglas County residents who might have any of the indicated berries to take them to the local health department for testing.

In addition, CDC is recommending consumers who ate the indicated berries within the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated for the hepatitis A virus (HAV), should consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to HAV in the last two weeks. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A infection do not require PEP.

FDA is currently tracking 14 cases in the outbreak, 8 of which have required hospitalization.

Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that can cause liver disease. A hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. In rare cases, particularly for people with a pre-existing health condition or people with weakened immune systems, hepatitis A infections can progress to liver failure and death.

If you think you may have become ill from eating these blackberries, or if you believe that you have eaten these berries in the last two weeks, please consult your healthcare provider.

Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets operates more than 70 stores across the Midwest, including three sites in Nebraska - 14949 Evans Plaza and 13215 W. Center Road in Omaha, and 5220 O Street in Lincoln.

For more information on the outbreak or about Hepatitis A please visit the FDA at: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-potentially-linked-fresh-conventional-blackberries-fresh-thyme?utm_campaign=Outbreak%20Hepatitis%20A%20In%20Blackberries-11262019&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Image : Ken Wolter/Shutterstock