An outbreak of Hepatitis A Virus Infections Linked to Fresh Blackberries

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A associated with exposure to contaminated fresh blackberries sold at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market grocery stores during September 2019. The patient count in a multi-state hepatitis A outbreak traced to fresh blackberries continues to rise, even though the berries were sold two months ago. As of November 26, 2019, a total of 14 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A were reported from 5 states. Of 13 people with available information, 8 (62%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time it takes for symptoms to appear after exposure (average 4 weeks). A single, common supplier of fresh blackberries has not been identified. The FDA and regulatory officials in several states have collected records from grocery stores where ill people reported buying fresh blackberries and are conducting traceback investigations to try to identify a specific source of the fresh blackberries. @ https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2019/hav-berries/index.htm