EU’s Hepatitis-A Epidemic Still Going on-- 800 People Sick

After six months has passed, people are still getting hepatitis A from frozen berries. There are 800 cases of hepatitis A so far. 15 batches of berries have been recalled. Many of the illnesses are caused  by restaurants and bakeries that use berries in their cakes and desserts. Many contaminated berries are probably are still in freezers and in markets.

The ministry of health has ask people to boil berries for two minutes. Berries are supposed to be marked with a red circle instructing consumers to boil them for two minutes but it is not getting done. So far no pictures of the packaging of the contaminated berries have been released by the ministry of health.

Being able to trace raw material (berries} is a legal obligation in the EU so that they can intervene quickly and effectively to stop an epidemic. Unfortunately does not work as it should, and this undermines the efforts of scientists to do there job.     

Finding out what is causing an epidemic is not easy. The causes of many food poisoning cases are never found. but all groups need to work together to protect the public's health. The wholesalers and packing houses need to keep track of their sources so the scientists can track contamination.Bakeries and restaurants need to pay attention to health alerts so they boil berries when they should. Government agencies need inform the public quickly about contaminated products and show pictures of the products so the consumer will realize if they have a contaminated product in their house. Grocery stores need to take contaminated products off their shelves promptly and inform their customers with noticeable signage. The Customer needs to be aware of recalls to protect their family. The solution is everyone working together.   

The Symptoms of Hepatitis A are  abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs,Loss of appetite, Low-grade fever Dark urine,Muscle pain and Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis A usually last less than two months, but may last as long as six months. Not everyone with hepatitis A develops signs or symptoms.

If you've been exposed to hepatitis A, you may prevent infection by having a hepatitis A vaccine or immunoglobulin therapy within two weeks of exposure