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State Health Officials: Frozen Berries May Carry Hepatitis A

Sanofil Pasteur
/
flickr.com
The hepatitis A virus causes a variety of symptoms, including fatigue and jaundice.

State health officials are warning consumers not to eat Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend of frozen mixed berries. They may be contaminated with hepatitis A.

Some 30 cases have been reported in five states: Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California.  And there is indication that Texas stores may have received the product. A formal recall has not been issued, but Costco stores have pulled the berries from the shelves.  Other stores may also carry the product.

State health officials say hepatitis A can cause serious illness: including, fever, nausea, fatigue, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, and jaundice.

Officials say A hepatitis A vaccine can prevent the illness if given within two weeks of exposure.

Former KERA reporter BJ Austin spent more than 25 years in broadcast journalism, anchoring and reporting in Atlanta, New York, New Orleans and Dallas. Along the way, she covered Atlanta City Hall, the Georgia Legislature and the corruption trials of Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards.