LINCOLN, Nebraska, USA (AP) – An outbreak of hepatitis A in Nebraska, Indiana, and Wisconsin was linked to blackberries sold in Fresh Thyme stores, so federal authorities warned customers in 11 states Wednesday not to consume these purchased fruits on the network. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported that the outbreak originated several weeks ago in the entity. The agency noted that the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conduct an investigation and have confirmed 11 cases of the virus, six of which them in Nebraska.
Fresh Thyme noted through a statement that cooperates with the inquiry, working to identify its suppliers and isolate the source of contamination.” At this time, there is no reason to believe that the product was contaminated by handling in our stores,” the company said. The FDA called consumers in Nebraska, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania not to eat any of the fresh blackberries purchased at Fresh Thyme between September 9 and 30. Anyone who froze the fruits for later consumption must get rid of them, the agency added. Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver and can cause mild flu-like symptoms for several weeks.
