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More than 750 people were vaccinated during a four-day clinic this week after possibly being exposed to hepatitis A at an Aiken restaurant last month.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control was notified Jan. 31 that an employee at Aiken Brewing Company had tested positive for the virus. On Monday, DHEC warned customers about possible hepatitis A exposure at the restaurant in downtown Aiken between Jan. 11 and Jan. 26.

Vaccination was recommended if it could be administered less than two weeks from the date of consuming something from the restaurant, with the last date of exposure being Jan. 26, a news release from DHEC said.

DHEC conducted hepatitis A vaccination clinics at the Aiken County Health Department this week for people possibly exposed to the virus between Jan. 21 through Jan. 26, and 772 free vaccines were administered, a DHEC spokesman said Friday. The vaccine is not shown to prevent infection when administered more than 14 days after a specific exposure.

The spokesman said the number “only reflects the vaccines provided during those specific clinics at the Aiken County Health Department, and does not include any vaccines that could have been administered by other facilities or providers to potentially exposed persons.” The spokesman said the data is preliminary and subject to change.
The clinics were open Monday through Thursday.

Dr. Linda Bell, a state epidemiologist, said in a news release earlier this week that “hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The risk of the hepatitis A virus spreading from an infected employee to customers in a restaurant setting is low. The concern is with a food handler with hepatitis A infection, not the restaurant.”

A statement posted Monday on the restaurant’s Facebook page said “this occurrence was unfortunate, but it is not outside the realm of possibility for any food and beverage company to have an employee diagnosed and treated for communicable diseases.

“As soon as Aiken Brewing Company was notified by S.C. DHEC officials, we took appropriate actions to contain and control any exposure to all employees and customers per S.C. DHEC and the Department of Health guidance. The restaurant is aware of only one employee testing positive for hepatitis A and we are working with S.C. DHEC on making sure that all of our employees and patrons are safe and aware of the issue at hand.”

The post encouraged all customers who had eaten at the restaurant between Jan. 11 and Jan. 26 to seek vaccination through DHEC as a precautionary measure.

“All current employees of The Aiken Brewing Company have been vaccinated as a requirement and precaution,” the post said.

Public Service Announcement from the owner of the local McDonald’s Restaurant in Lancaster, KY. This concerns an employee who was diagnosed with Hepatitis A, but is not currently providing services at the establishment. Although outbreaks from food or water exposure are not common, if you ate at the restaurant during the dates listed in the statement below, it is recommended that you receive the Hepatitis A vaccine and report any sign or symptoms of the virus to your medical care provider. Information about the vaccine and signs or symptoms can be found by going to the following Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site:
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm

The Hocking County Health Department reported an employee of the Logan McDonald’s was recently diagnosed with a case of hepatitis A.

According to a news release, the employees does handle food at the restaurant. After reporting the case to McDonald’s the restaurant underwent a cleaning and sanitizing process.

The health department says the risk to customers is extremely low.

Symptoms include fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea and jaundice. People with hepatitis A can have a mild illness that lists for a few weeks or in more severe cases several months.

During the statewide outbreak of hepatitis A, the health department reports a significant increase in cases since August 2018 in high risk groups, according to the news release.

McDonald’s is arranging for current and future employees to have access to hepatitis A vaccinations.

To help prevent the spread proper hand washing is encouraged after using the bathroom and before food preparation.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), in cooperation with Panera Bread in Montgomery, is investigating a food handler who is infected with hepatitis A virus.

As a preventative measure, ADPH is suggesting customers who consumed food, whether dine-in, pickup, or delivery, between the dates of January 26 through February 5, 2019, be identified.

These patrons may need the hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin to reduce their chance of illness.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can be transmitted person-to-person and by eating food or drinks prepared by an infected person. Hepatitis A vaccine can prevent infection, but only if given within 14 days of exposure to hepatitis A.

The hepatitis A vaccine can be given to persons over 12 months of age who have not completed the two-dose hepatitis A vaccination series. Persons over 40 years old may also receive immune globulin.

“Adults with hepatitis A may have symptoms that include fatigue, low appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice. These symptoms usually resolve within two months of infection,” said Dr. Burnestine Taylor, Medical Officer for Disease Control and Prevention, ADPH. “Children less than 6 years of age generally do not have symptoms or have an unrecognized infection. Almost all people who get hepatitis A recover completely.”

If you have eaten food prepared at Panera Bread, located at 2998 Carter Hill Road in Montgomery, Ala., between the dates of January 26 through February 5, 2019, contact your health care provider, pharmacy, or the Montgomery County Health Department regarding getting the vaccine as soon as possible. You may also contact your local provider if you are uncertain about your past vaccine status.

It is rare for hepatitis A to cause severe illness, but persons 50 years of age or older and those with other liver diseases are more at risk.

The best way to prevent getting Hepatitis A is to receive the vaccine within the first two weeks after exposure. Those who have previously been vaccinated with one dose of Hepatitis A vaccine need a second dose. Two doses are required to be considered protected from exposure.

The FDA is alerting consumers to possible hepatitis A contamination of Bauer’s Candies Modjeskas, an individually wrapped marshmallow candy dipped in chocolate or caramel. We are advising consumers not to eat and to throw away any Bauer’s Candies Chocolate or Caramel Modjeskas, purchased after November 14, 2018 because a worker in the facility tested positive for hepatitis A.

Bauer’s Candies’ Modjeskas

These products are available at retail locations and can also be purchased through QVC and BauersCandy.com. We are currently working with Bauer’s Candies, located in Kentucky, on a voluntary recall of affected products. This posting will be updated with recall and retail information as it becomes available.

At this time, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not aware of any cases of hepatitis A related to consumption of these candies. Hepatitis A can have a long incubation period and can have serious health consequences for some people, especially those with other health problems. Although the risk of hepatitis A transmission from the candy is low, FDA recommends that consumers who ate candies purchased after November 14, 2018 and have not been vaccinated for hepatitis A consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated. PEP may be recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus (HAV) in the last 2 weeks; those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination do not require PEP.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with HAV. When symptoms occur, they can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter — even in microscopic amounts — from an infected person; this can happen when an infected person prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene, even before that person shows symptoms of illness.

People infected with HAV may not have symptoms until 15 to 50 days after exposure. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (known as jaundice), dark urine, and pale stool. Young children may not show symptoms of HAV infection.

The FDA is recommending that anyone who ate Bauer’s Candies Chocolate or Caramel Modjeskas purchased after November 14, 2018, consult with their healthcare provider to determine whether PEP is indicated. Consumers and retailers should throw away and not consume any chocolate or caramel Modjeskas purchased after November 14, 2018.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $650 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Costco, Subway, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Quiznos and Carl’s Jr.  We proudly represented the family of Donald Rockwell, who died after consuming hepatitis A tainted food and Richard Miller, who required a liver transplant after eating food at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.

High priority groups for getting the hep A vaccine include:

  • Anyone who has had close contact with someone who has hep A
  • Food workers
  • People who use drugs, whether injected or not
  • People experiencing homelessness, transient, or unstable housing
  • People who have been recently incarcerated

See also, Hepatitis A cases in the U.S. have tripled this year, as our nation’s public health infrastructure continues to rot. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hepatitis-a-outbreak-america_us_5c0ecf0fe4b06484c9fd9d0c?ncid=engmodushpmg00000004

Tennessee

Metro Public Health Department officials confirmed today that an employee working at the Outback Steakhouse Restaurant Rivergate, located at 1560 Gallatin Pike N, Madison 37115, has been diagnosed with acute hepatitis A.  The restaurant employee worked at the restaurant while symptomatic December 22-24, 2018.

The Metro Public Health Department will open a special clinic to offer free Hepatitis A vaccine at the Lentz Public Health Center (2500 Charlotte Ave.) on the following dates and times to those who dined at that location on December 22nd-24th.  The potential exposure occurred only at Outback Steakhouse Restaurant’s Rivergate location.  Individuals who dined at the restaurant on those dates have until January 7th to be vaccinated.

Hepatitis A Vaccination Clinic
Lentz Public Health Center
2500 Charlotte Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee

  • January 3rd:  8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • January 4th:  8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • January 5th:  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • January 7th:  8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Symptoms of hepatitis A are fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). People can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.

Metro Public Health Department officials have confirmed 161 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Nashville since December 2017.

The Health Department continues to lead a hepatitis A vaccine campaign, along with community partners and the Tennessee Department of Health.  The Health Department and our community partners have vaccinated nearly 9,000 people in Nashville since the outbreak was announced in late May. The total vaccinated does not include vaccine given by private providers.

Arkansas

Northeast Arkansas continues to have a hepatitis A (hep A) outbreak, and the ADH is warning of a possible hep A exposure after an employee of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in Jonesboro tested positive for the virus.

Anyone who ate at the On the Border restaurant at 2324 Red Wolf Blvd, Jonesboro, AR 72401 between Dec. 13 to Dec. 27 should seek vaccination immediately if they have never been vaccinated against hep A or are unsure of their vaccination status. There are no specific treatments once a person gets hep A. Illness can be prevented even after exposure by getting the vaccine or medicine called immune globulin. This medicine contains antibodies to hep A and works best if given within two weeks of exposure to the virus. Hep A vaccination can still prevent the virus after exposure.

The ADH will host two vaccine clinics, the first on Jan. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Craighead County Health Unit at 611 E Washington Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401, and the second on Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., also at the Craighead County Health Unit. The vaccine will be provided to the public at no cost. People should bring their insurance card and driver’s license if they have one. Those who are unable to attend the clinics listed above because they are in another county but ate at the restaurant during the time period may be able to visit a Local Health Unit in their counties. Those visiting Local Health Units in other counties should call ahead to ensure vaccine is available. Local Health Unit listing can be found at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/health-units.

Since February, 237 cases of hep A have been reported as part of an outbreak in Northeast Arkansas, including two deaths. Greene, Craighead, and Clay counties have had the most cases, although there have been cases in Arkansas, Cleburne, Cross, Independence, Jackson, Lawrence, Lee, Logan, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett, Randolph, Sharp and White counties.

As I have said before:

Hardly a month passes without a warning from a health department somewhere that an infected food handler is the source of yet another potential hepatitis A outbreak. Absent vaccinations of food handlers, combined with an effective and rigorous hand-washing policy, there will continue to be more hepatitis A outbreaks. It is time for health departments across the country to require vaccinations of food-service workers, especially those who serve the very young and the elderly.

Hepatitis A is a communicable disease that spreads from person-to-person. It is spread almost exclusively through fecal-oral contact, generally from person-to-person, or via contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A is the only foodborne illness that is vaccine-preventable. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since the inception of the vaccine, rates of infection have declined 92 percent.

CDC estimate that 83,000 cases of hepatitis A occur in the United States every year, and that many of these cases are related to food-borne transmission. In 1999, more than 10,000 people were hospitalized due to hepatitis A infections, and 83 people died. In 2003, 650 people became sickened, four died, and nearly 10,000 people got IG (immunoglobulin) shots after eating at a Pennsylvania restaurant. Not only do customers get sick, but also businesses lose customers or some simply go out of business.

Although CDC has not yet called for mandatory vaccination of food-service workers, it has repeatedly pointed out that the consumption of worker-contaminated food is a major cause of foodborne illness in the U.S.

Hepatitis A continues to be one of the most frequently reported, vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S., despite FDA approval of hepatitis A vaccine in 1995. Widespread vaccination of appropriate susceptible populations would substantially lower disease incidence and potentially eliminate indigenous transmission of hepatitis A infections. Vaccinations cost about $50. The major economic reason that these preventive shots have not been used is because of the high turnover rate of food-service employees. Eating out becomes a whole lot less of a gamble if all food-service workers faced the same requirement.

According to CDC, the costs associated with hepatitis A are substantial. Between 11 percent and 22 percent of persons who have hepatitis A are hospitalized. Adults who become ill lose an average of 27 days of work. Health departments incur substantial costs in providing post-exposure prophylaxis to an average of 11 contacts per case. Average costs (direct and indirect) of hepatitis A range from $1,817 to $2,459 per case for adults and from $433 to $1,492 per case for children younger than 18. In 1989, the estimated annual direct and indirect costs of hepatitis A in the U.S. were more than $200 million, equivalent to more than $300 million in 1997 dollars.  A new CDC report shows that, in 2010, slightly more than 10 percent of people between the ages of 19 and 49 got a hepatitis A shot.

Vaccinating an employee make sense.  It is moral to protect customers from an illness that can cause serious illness and death. Vaccines also protect the business from the multi-million-dollar fallout that can come if people become ill or if thousands are forced to stand in line to be vaccinated to prevent a more serious problem.

WATERLOO, New York – A settlement of $250,000 has been reached in the class action lawsuit against the McDonald’s Restaurant located at 2500 Mound Road, Waterloo, NY. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of those exposed to Hepatitis A after eating at the restaurant. The class is represented by Marler Clark, the food safety law firm and Underberg & Kessler a respected local firm.

The class is defined as follows:

All individuals who were (1) consumed food or drink products between October 31, 2015 and November 8, 2015 (the “Class Period”) purchased from the McDonald’s located at 2500 Mound Road, Waterloo, NY 13165 (the “Restaurant”); (2) subsequently obtained an HAV blood test, an immune globulin (IG) or Hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine within 14 days of consuming food or drink products purchased from the Restaurant during the class period; and (3) did not afterwards become infected with the Hepatitis A virus. Persons employed at the Restaurant during the Class Period are excluded from the Class.

Class members are required to submit at claim form to receive settlement money. A detailed notice of settlement and claim form will be sent by mail to each class member. Additionally, members can obtain claim forms and other information at the website www.WaterlooHepA.com.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $600 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Costco, Subway, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Quiznos and Carl’s Jr.  We proudly represented the family of Donald Rockwell, who died after consuming hepatitis A tainted food and Richard Miller, who required a liver transplant after eating food at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.

HONOLULU, Hawaii – In October a preliminary settlement of $4,500,000 was reached on behalf of those exposed to Hepatitis A in correlation to Genki Sushi Restaurants. The court has extended the deadline for class members to submit a claim form to February 15, 2019. The class is represented by Marler Clark, the food safety law firm, Perkin and Faria, and Starn, O’Toole, Marcus, and Fisher, respected Hawaii firms.

Genki-Stipulation for Order to Amend Proposed Notice Plan filed 12.11.18

Genki-Order Approving Stipulation to Amend Proposed Notice Plan filed 12.11.18

Class members will be emailed and mailed a notice of settlement. Claim forms are also available at https://hawaiihepa.com or by calling 1-800-532-9250.

The class is defined as follows:

All persons who: (1) as a result of the 2016 Hepatitis A Outbreak infections linked to consuming food at thirteen Genki Sushi restaurants located on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, and Maui, were exposed to the hepatitis A virus (“HAV”) through one of three exposure-mechanisms (defined in the Exposure Subclasses), but did not become infected, and (2) as a result of such exposure, after learning of the requirement of treatment from an announcement of public health officials or a medical professional, obtained preventative medical treatment within 14 days of exposure, such as receiving immune globulin (“IG”), HAV vaccine, or blood test.

The preliminary settlement covers three subclasses:

(1) individuals who had direct contact with one of the 292 people identified by the Hawaii Department of Health as infected with the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).

(2) individuals who were exposed to HAV between August 1 and August 16 as a result of consuming food at one of the Genki Sushi restaurants implicated in the 2016 outbreak.

(3) individuals who ate at secondary restaurants reported by the Hawaiian Department of Health where infected Genki Sushi customers were employed.

Qualified claimants will be entitled to compensation as follows:

  • $350.00 for each member of Subclass 1.
  • $250.00 for each member of Subclass 2.
  • $150.00 for each member of Subclass 3.

The final hearing for approval of the class settlement is now March 6, 2019.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s food safety law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $650 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food. The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Costco, Chi-Chi’s, Chipotle, Olive Garden, Taco Bell, Townsend Farms, Tropical Smoothie, Subway, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Quiznos and Carl’s Jr.  We proudly represented the family of Donald Rockwell, who died after consuming hepatitis A tainted food and Richard Miller, who required a liver transplant after eating food at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant.

On August 15, 2016, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) identified raw scallops served at Genki Sushi restaurants on Oahu and Kauai as a likely source of an ongoing hepatitis A outbreak. The product of concern was identified to be Sea Port Bay Scallops (Wild Harvest, Raw Frozen) that originated in the Philippines (states “Product of the Philippines” on the box) and were distributed by Koha Oriental Foods.

As a result, HDOH ordered this product embargoed (not to be sold, purchased, or consumed) throughout the state, and the temporary closure of all Genki Sushi restaurants on Oahu and Kauai.

As of November 30, 2016, HDOH has identified 292 cases of hepatitis A. Seventy-four have required hospitalization. Findings of the investigation suggest that the source of the outbreak is focused on Oahu. Eleven individuals are residents of the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, or Maui, and seven visitors have returned to the mainland or overseas. Onset of illness has ranged between June 12, 2016 and October 9, 2016.

The FDA and CDC are supporting the HDOH in the investigation of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections linked to scallops supplied by Sea Port Products Corp. On August 17, 2016, the FDA, HDOH, CDC, and state partners informed Sea Port Products Corp. that epidemiological, laboratory, and traceback information indicated that their scallops are the likely source of illnesses. On August 18, 2016, Sea Port Products Corp. initiated a voluntary recall of three lots of frozen Bay Scallops produced on November 23 and 24, 2015. The lot numbers for the recalled scallops are 5885, 5886, and 5887. The products were distributed to California, Hawaii, and Nevada. According to Sea Port Products Corp., the recalled products are not intended for retail sale. The FDA is working with the recalling firm to ensure their recall is effective and that recalled product is removed from the market.

The FDA’s traceback investigation involved working with HDOH to trace the path of food eaten by those made ill back to a common source. The traceback investigation determined that Sea Port Products Corp. imported the scallops that were later supplied to certain Genki Sushi locations in Hawaii, where ill people reported eating.

On August 17, 2016, FDA laboratory analysis of two scallop samples, which were collected on August 11, 2016, were confirmed positive for hepatitis A. These samples were imported by Sea Port Products Corp. and were produced on November 23 and 24, 2015.

Hepatitis A:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $650 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Costco, Subway, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Quiznos and Carl’s Jr. We proudly represented the family of Donald Rockwell, who died after consuming hepatitis A tainted food and Richard Miller, who required a liver transplant after eating food at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation.

Marler Clark has represented over 50 of those sickened.

Beginning in September 2016, several states, CDC, and the FDA investigated a multistate outbreak of foodborne hepatitis A. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that frozen strawberries imported from Egypt are the likely source of this outbreak. Although no discovery has been done to date to confirm how the Egyptian strawberries made it to consumers, we have learned that Tropical Smoothie had a bulk purchasing agreement with Patagonia. Patagonia bought from VLM Canada. It is also our understanding that VLM Canada bought from ICAPP and that VLM USA was the importer. It appears that the strawberries entered the US in Norfolk into VLM USA’s possession and then were transferred to Preferred Freezers Storage, Inc. in Chesapeake into Patagonia’s possession. From there, ITI picked up the berries and delivered them to either Sysco Hampton Roads or Sysco VA. Sysco delivered them to Tropical Smoothie franchisees.

Nearly all ill people interviewed reported drinking smoothies containing strawberries at Tropical Smoothie Café locations prior to August 8, in a limited geographical area, including Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, but there have been a small number of cases outside of that geographic area with no Tropical Smoothie Café exposure.

In total, 134 people with hepatitis A have been reported from nine states: Arkansas (1), California (1), Maryland (12), New York (3), North Carolina (1), Oregon (1), Virginia (107), West Virginia (7), and Wisconsin (1). Of these cases, 129 people reported eating a smoothie containing strawberries from Tropical Smoothie Café and 5 cases reported having no exposure to Tropical Smoothie Café. There have been no cases reporting illness from this same exposure since September 23, 2016. The latest illness onset date among these cases was October 1, 2016. The investigation into these cases is ongoing. Of the 134 cases, 52 ill people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

FDA traceback information indicated that the frozen strawberries served in the Tropical Smoothie Café locations were from the International Company for Agricultural Production & Processing (ICAPP), imported from Egypt. On August 8, 2016, Tropical Smoothie Café reported that they removed the Egyptian frozen strawberries from their restaurants in Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia and switched to another supplier out of an abundance of caution. Information available at this time does not indicate an ongoing risk of hepatitis A virus infection at Tropical Smoothie Cafes.

On October 30, 2016, the International Company for Agricultural Production & Processing (ICAPP) recalled all of its frozen strawberries that were imported into the U.S. since January 1, 2016. The recalled products were distributed for sale to and use in food service establishments nationwide. The FDA reports that hepatitis A virus contamination was found in four samples of ICAPP frozen strawberries.

Hepatitis A:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Hepatitis A outbreaks. The Hepatitis A lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of Hepatitis A and other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $650 million for clients.  Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our Hepatitis A lawyers have litigated Hepatitis A cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a variety of sources, such as green onions, lettuce and restaurant food.  The law firm has brought Hepatitis A lawsuits against such companies as Costco, Subway, McDonald’s, Red Robin, Chipotle, Quiznos and Carl’s Jr. We proudly represented the family of Donald Rockwell, who died after consuming hepatitis A tainted food and Richard Miller, who required a liver transplant after eating food at a Chi-Chi’s restaurant.

If you or a family member became ill with a Hepatitis A infection after consuming food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A attorneys for a free case evaluation