Hepatitis A cases tied to frozen berry mix

Townsend Farms blend at Costco sickens 30 in 5 states, 7 in Arizona

Federal and state health officials say a frozen berry mix sold at Costco stores in Arizona and four other states has triggered an outbreak of Hepatitis A that has sickened at least 30 people.

Federal and state health officials have confirmed 30 cases tied to Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berry mix sold at the warehouse retailer’s locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.

Seven cases have been confirmed in Arizona, including five in Maricopa County, according to the county Department of Public Health.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the first illnesses were reported in late April and that more cases are expected.

Costco has discontinued sales of the frozen berries and is notifying members who purchased the product since late February.

Maricopa County health officials recommend that consumers toss out any remaining supplies of the berry mix.

Hepatitis A is a viral illness that attacks the liver. Symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine and a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

The CDC reported that nearly half of the people who contracted Hepatitis A from the berry mix were hospitalized.

Maricopa County health offi- cials say those who have similar symptoms are encouraged to thoroughly wash their hands to avoid spreading the virus.

Those exhibiting such symptoms who work in the childcare, food-services or healthcare fields should stay home from work.

County health officials also recommend a vaccine for people who have consumed the berry mix over the past two weeks.

If you do not have a healthcare provider, the county Public Health Department’s three clinics will provide the vaccine at no cost starting Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Clinics are at 1645 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix (closed Monday), 635 E. Broadway in Mesa (closed Thursday) and 6666 W. Peoria Ave. in Glendale (closed Tuesday).

People who already have been vaccinated against Hepatitis A do not need another vaccine treatment.

A representative of Fairview, Ore.-based Townsend Farms Inc. declined to answer questions about the Hepatitis A outbreak, referring a call from

to the company’s lawyer, who could not be reached.