Health agencies are working cooperatively on a nationwide recall of frozen strawberries possibly tainted with hepatitis A virus.
Hepatitis A was detected in frozen strawberries imported from Egypt, and distributed to restaurants and other food service establishments nationwide, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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The Oakland County Health Division said it contacted commercial food service establishments to ensure they are aware of the recall and to dispose of any strawberries found.
"Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months," Health Division health officer Kathy Forzley said. "Our Nurse on Call phone line is open until 8 p.m. Friday to answer any questions related to signs and symptoms of hepatitis A."
The Macomb County Health Department said it has been working diligently with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development after receiving notification of the potential product-related hepatitis A outbreak.
Establishments that may have served the contaminated frozen strawberries within the last 14 days in Macomb County and throughout the state are listed on the MDARD website. Officials said the list will be updated as new information becomes available.
"Although there have been no reported hepatitis A cases in the state of Michigan from frozen strawberries, it is important that residents who have consumed frozen strawberries from a commercial establishment review the MDARD website and are informed about the hepatitis A virus," the Macomb County Health Department said.
Health officials said illness generally happens within 15-50 days of exposure, and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, yellow skin (jaundice), abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool.
Officials said anyone who consumed frozen strawberries at an establishment outside of Oakland County should visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website to determine potential exposure. Anyone who believes they were exposed should contact the Oakland County Health Division at 800-848-5533 to receive a hepatitis A vaccine or find a healthcare provider.
For more information about hepatitis A, visit the Macomb County Health Department or CDC websites, or call the Communicable Disease Division at 586-783-8190. The Oakland County Health Division's Nurse on Call can be reached at 1-800-848-5533.