SPANISH
 
  About us
  Archives
  Want to Read Digitally?

 

Emergency Preparedness

 

 

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Your local markets carry an amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are both nutritious and delicious. However, harmful bacteria that may be in the soil or water where produce grows may come in contact with fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. Fresh produce may also become contaminated after it is harvested, such as during preparation or storage. Eating contaminated produce (or fruit and vegetable juices made from contaminated produce) can lead to foodborne illness, often called “food poisoning".

Wash all produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. This includes produce grown conventionally or organically at home, or purchased from a grocery store or farmer's market.

WIC San Ysidro Health Center

 
 
 

Hepatitis A Outbreak
Associated with Frozen Berry Blend


LOCAL CASES LINKED TO NATIONAL INVESTIGATION

 

Health officials warn of local cases of hepatitis A, which are part of a five-state outbreak. They have prompted a warning to consumers not to eat Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend of frozen berries sold through Costco stores.

The outbreak that has been linked to at least 30 cases, including six in California.It is being investigated by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal Food and Drug Administration, and the California Department of Public Hepatitis A outbreak associated with frozen berry blend- Salud+HEALTH infoHealth.

The first two local individuals with hepatitis A both reported eating the frozen berry blend purchased from Costco. The number of cases have raised from two to eight in San Diego County and in this outbreak may increase, because on average it can take up to 30 days to become ill with hepatitis A after being exposed to the virus.

“If you ate Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend frozen berries within the past two weeks and you have never been vaccinated for hepatitis A or had the disease, you should contact your health care provider to discuss hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., deputy county public health officer.

If you do not have a health care provider, you can contact the County of San Diego’s Epidemiology Program at 619-692-8499.

“If you have purchased Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend frozen berries, please discard the product,” said McDonald.

According to the company, the product was sold at Costco stores in a three-pound bag under UPC 0 78414 404448. Costco has removed this product from its shelves, although a formal recall has not yet been issued. FDA is further investigating this product, including testing the berries for the hepatitis A virus.

The risk of contracting hepatitis A from eating these berries is low. If you have ever been vaccinated for hepatitis A or have been diagnosed with hepatitis A in the past, you are considered protected from the disease. The hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin can prevent infection if given within 14 days of exposure.

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). It is important if you have these symptoms that you seek medical attention and do not work in food service, health care or child care until you are no longer infectious.
Hepatitis A varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more severe cases lasting four to six weeks or longer. The disease can be severe and result in hospitalization. Some individuals, especially children, may not develop jaundice and may have mild illness. Even people with mild symptoms should consult a health care provider.

Hepatitis A virus is spread person to person or via contaminated food or beverages. People are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis A when they have had ongoing close personal contact with an infected person, such as in a household setting.

For more information on hepatitis A, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov and search “hepatitis A”.

Organic Antioxidant Blend
 
This page in SPANISH
 

6/18/13 UPDATE

People still getting hepatitis A from frozen berries recalled

 

A linked to frozen berries has sickened 118 people in eight states.A total of 47 people have been hospitalized with dangerous liver disease. The suspected frozen berry mix was recalled June 3, but people are still getting sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

 
Fight the Bite News- Posters- Articles
 
 

Older adults and Foodborne illness

 

Older adults are at risk because as age increases, the immune system and other organs in the body become a bit slow in recognizing harmful bacteria and other pathogens that cause infections, such as foodborne illness.

The immune system in an older adult does not work as fast to clear infection and other foreign agents from the body. Therefore, this delay in the body’s natural response to foreign invasion increases the risk for infection.

The consequences are very serious. If an older adult contracts a foodborne illness, that person is more likely to have a lengthier illness, undergo hospitalization, or even die. To avoid contracting a foodborne illness, older adults must be vigilant when handling, preparing, and consuming foods.

How will a person know if they have a foodborne illness and what should they do about it? Foodborne illness often presents itself with flu-like symptoms which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Older adults who experience these symptoms should contact a physician or health care provider immediately.

 
 
 
> Spanish
Salud+HealthInfo is for information and educational purposes only. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family's physician or health provider immediately and do not try to diagnose yourself. Salud+Health Info is published and distributed free of charge by Info Option Network (ION) Publishing Company. Copyright © 2001-2013 Info Option Network