UPDATE 6/3: Heather Muller, Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services public information manager provided the LoCO a few updates on where we’re at in regards to the hepatitis-linked berries sold at Costco. She writes:

First, a little clarity about the product itself. It is Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries containing dark tart cherries, blueberries, pomegranate arils, red raspberries and strawberries. Item #595820 appears on the bag. There are no specific best-if-used-by-dates identified; however, the period of interest is February to the present. CDPH has received a number of calls wanting to know if other berry products from Costco are being investigated, and they are not.

Second, consumer calls can now be made directly to the CDPH at 916-650-6595. This line will be monitored during business hours, and referrals to local jurisdictions made as necessary.

Third and most important, there have been no additional cases reported in Humboldt County.

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UPDATE 6/3: Several LoCO commenters have noted that they received calls from Costco stating that the company would provide refunds to those who brought the bags back to the store. -AG 

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An email to the Lost Coast Outpost from Heather Muller, Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services public information manager, indicates that some berries sold at our local Costco have been linked to a multi-state outbreak of Hepatitis A. Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend berries have been linked to one case in Humboldt. The product have been pulled from shelves but obviously people who’ve already prchased them should not eat them. If you have eaten them contact your doctor.

Full press release from California Department of Public Health below:

SACRAMENTO –The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today warned consumers not to eat Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend of frozen berries sold through Costco stores as they may be linked to a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections.

To date, at least 30 cases are being investigated nationwide. In California, six confirmed illnesses in persons who consumed this product have been reported from Humboldt, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino (2), and San Diego counties. Three of these individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

“People who have bought this product should discard it if still found in their home,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH Director and State Health Officer. “Anyone who has consumed this specific product in the last 14 days should contact their doctor to discuss possible hepatitis A prevention and treatment options.”

Costco has removed this product from stores and is notifying their member customers who have bought this product. CDPH will continue to work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration on this outbreak.

Symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes). Symptoms develop two to six weeks after consuming contaminated food or drink and can last from one week to several months.

Most people recover completely, but sometimes hepatitis A can lead to hospitalization and severe illness. It is very important that if you have symptoms like this you do not go to work, especially if you work in food service, health care or child care. For more details see the CDPH fact sheet:

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Documents/CDCHepAGeneralFactSheet.pdf

People who develop symptoms of hepatitis should consult their health care provider. For more information on hepatitis A, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Outbreaks/2013/A1b-03-31/advice-consumers.html