Tropical Smoothie Café has stopped using frozen strawberries imported from Egypt after they were linked to an outbreak of hepatitis A that sickened over 100 people.
Need a Texas Food Poisoning Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with hepatitis A, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Strawberry Smoothie Hepatitis A Outbreak
In August 2016, 44 cases of hepatitis A were linked to strawberry smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Café. All of the victims had a smoothie before August 9, when the café switched strawberry suppliers. On September 20, 102 cases of hepatitis A were confirmed in residents of Virginia who had a smoothie between May and September.
How Many People Were Infected?
As of September 14, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed a total of 119 illnesses in 8 states. The case count is Arkansas (1), Maryland (12), New York (3), North Carolina (1), Oregon (1), Virginia (94), West Virginia (6), and Wisconsin (1). At least 47 ill people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Outbreak Linked to Strawberries From Egypt
This is not the first time frozen strawberries from Egypt have been linked to hepatitis A. The same strain of the virus caused two outbreaks in Europe in 2012 and 2013, with over 100 illnesses reported.
Lawsuits Against Tropical Smoothie Café
In August 2016, a class action (PDF) was filed in Virginia on behalf of everyone who ate at Tropical Smoothie Café during the outbreak and required a vaccine.
A growing number of individual lawsuits have also been filed by people who were infected with hepatitis A. The first lawsuit was filed in late August by a man who was hospitalized for 4 days. He is seeking $100,000 in compensation for his pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost income.
On September 20, a lawsuit (PDF) was filed by a man from Woodbridge, Virginia who was diagnosed with hepatitis A. He was hospitalized for 3 days and continues to suffer symptoms, which is not unusual. The illness often causes debilitating symptoms for several months. Click here to read more.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that spreads in human feces and causes liver inflammation. Large outbreaks are rare, but they can occur when irrigation water contaminated with sewage is sprayed on raw food.
Warning Signs of Hepatitis A
It can take anywhere from 15 to 50 days for symptoms of hepatitis A infection to appear. About 10% of people who are infected experience symptoms for up to 6 months. These symptoms may include:
- Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)
- Dark urine
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Loss of appetite
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
Need a Food Poisoning Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas food poisoning lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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