An outbreak of hepatitis A in multiple states has been traced to fresh blackberries sold in Fresh Thyme grocery stores.

Federal authorities on Wednesday warned consumers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota and Pennsylvania not to eat any fresh blackberries bought from Fresh Thyme between September 9th and September 30th. Anyone who froze these berries for later use should throw them out, the FDA said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating and have confirmed 11 cases of the virus.

Fresh Thyme said in a written statement that it's cooperating with the investigation, working to identify its suppliers and isolate the source of the contamination.

At this time, there is no reason to believe that any of the product was contaminated via handling in our stores,

11 states against eating some berries bought from the chain. The FDA is urging consumers in 11 states, including Michigan, Indiana & Ohio, not to eat any fresh blackberries purchased from Fresh Thyme between Sept. 9 and Sept. 30. The FDA is telling anyone who froze the berries for later use should throw them out. Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver and can cause mild, flu-like symptoms for several weeks.

Symptoms usually occur abruptly and can include the following:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Diarrhea
  • Clay-colored stool
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice

Symptoms of hepatitis A usually last less than 2 months, although 10%–15% of symptomatic persons have prolonged or relapsing disease for up to 6 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

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