ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed the first case of hepatitis A in the state linked to a multi-state outbreak involving blackberries.
In a news release, MDH said one case has been identified in Minnesota, in a patient who was hospitalized and has since recovered.
Health officials have linked the outbreak to fresh, non-organic blackberries sold at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market between Sept. 9 and Sept. 30, 2019. Consumers who may have purchased and frozen these berries to use around the holidays are urged to throw them away.
There are now 14 cases reported in five states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska and Indiana. Eight people have been hospitalized. An investigation shows the berries were shipped to Fresh Thyme stores in 11 states.
According to the MDH, symptoms of hepatitis A include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and clay-colored stools.
People who may have eaten the berries are urged to talk to their doctor about getting the hepatitis A vaccine, which can reduce your chances of getting sick. Health officials have recommended the vaccination for all children since 2006, as well as travelers to certain countries, and people at high risk for infection.
