NORFOLK, Va. – According to the Virginia Department of Health there are now 66 confirmed cases of hepatitis A that are connected to frozen strawberries from Egypt used at Tropical Smoothie Cafes across Virginia.
The VDH says onsets of the illness for the 66 cases range from early May through August. Previously, Department of Health said that only people who consumed smoothies with frozen strawberries from Tropical Smoothie Cafe on August 5, 6, 7 or 8 may be at risk.
“Onsets of illness for the 40 cases range from early May through mid-August. The common exposure shared by ill persons was not hypothesized until August, at which time VDH re-interviewed persons reported earlier in the year to confirm the link with smoothie consumption,” VDH said in a statement on their website.
Of the 66 confirmed cases, 13 are in the Eastern region of Virginia that includes Hampton Roads, 37 are in the Northern region, 10 are in the Northwest and six are in the Central region
The 66 ill residents range in age from 14-68. Approximately 42% of the residents have been hospitalized for their illness.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe voluntarily withdrew all of the strawberries sourced from Egypt and found an alternate supply.
A class action class action lawsuit representing all of the victims of the outbreak has been filed.
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