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Nevada/Washoe County Identified as Part of Multi-State Hepatitis A Outbreak

For information and details about the Multi-State Hepatitis A Outbreak, view the Washoe County Health District Press Release below:

Nevada/Washoe County Identified as Part of Multi-State Hepatitis A Outbreak

Media Release
For Immediate Release
http://www.washoecounty.us/health
Contact: Phil Ulibarri
775-328-2483
2013-15
 

(Reno, NV) 5 cases of hepatitis A have been identified in Nevada as part of a regional outbreak primarily focused in western states linked to Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend of berries sold by Costco. A total of 30 cases are being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration as well as local and state health officials in Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. According to health officials, there are currently 2 cases in Reno and 3 cases in Las Vegas. Costco has removed the product from the shelf and will begin notifying purchasers by telephone. Onset of illness ranges from mid-April 2013 to late May 2013.

"We are directing anyone who has purchased this product to discard it immediately," said Interim Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick. "In addition, if they have consumed the product within the last two weeks, people should contact their primary health care provider or the Health District to determine whether a hepatitis A vaccination is indicated." People who have had physician diagnosed hepatitis A or have received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine in the past do not need to receive more vaccine, Dick added.

Hepatitis A is a viral illness that attacks the liver. People usually get the disease from consuming a contaminated food item. 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). Most people recover in a week or so, but sometimes hepatitis A can lead to hospitalization and severe illness. It is very important that if you have symptoms like this you do not go to work, especially if you work in food service, health care or child care.

More information on hepatitis A can be found at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Outbreaks/2013/A1b-03-31/index.html, on the Washoe County Health District website at http://www.washoecounty.us/health/hav, or by calling (775) 328-2447. The Health District's site also has information on immunization fees, clinic hours of operations, and appointment scheduling. Get more information.

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