A first case of hepatitis A linked with recalled frozen berries imported from China has been reported by South Australian health authorities.
The woman, 54, is from country SA.
SA Health chief medical officer Paddy Phillips said she had been admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and was in a stable condition.
“This is the first case of hepatitis A in South Australia that can be linked to the recalled frozen berry products,” Professor Phillips said.
“The patient saw her doctor on the 15th of February when she began displaying symptoms and a positive blood test for hepatitis A was returned on the 24th of February.”
Professor Phillips said the woman probably ate the berries over the Christmas period.
“SA Health began the process of investigating how the illness was contracted and the patient confirmed she ate Nanna’s frozen mixed berries over the Christmas and new year period,” he said.
“There is no risk of infection to the wider community, but as a precaution we’ve arranged for four of the patient’s close contacts to receive a preventative vaccination.”
SA Health said there had been 20 cases of hepatitis A nationally associated with the current outbreak: three in Victoria, seven in Queensland, seven in New South Wales and one each in Western Australia and the ACT, along with the SA case.
SA Health said anyone who had eaten frozen berry products recently needed to be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis A and contact their doctor if they had concerns.
“Symptoms of hepatitis A include abdominal pain, nausea, fever and chills and yellow skin or eyes,” Professor Phillips said.