In a follow-up to the hepatitis A outbreak in Australia due to tainted berries, Queensland Health officials have reported an additional case bringing the total to five. There has been 10 total cases reported from Queensland, NSW Health and Victoria health that are linked to the berries.

Nanna's Mixed Berry/Victoria Health
Nanna’s Mixed Berry/Victoria Health

A product recall has been initiated and the following Patties Foods products have been recalled as part of this investigation:

  • Nanna’s Mixed Berries 1kg bag. All batches up to and including Best Before 22/11/16
  • Nanna’s Raspberries 1 kg bag. All batches up to and including Best Before 15/09/2016
  • Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries 300g (all batches up to and including Best Before 10 12 17) and 500g (all batches up to and including Best Before 06 10 17)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months.

Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts, from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by feces or stool from an infected person.

Not everyone has symptoms. If symptoms develop, they usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after becoming infected and can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice.

There is no specific treatment once symptoms appear, but a vaccination can help lessen the effects of the disease if given within 14 days of exposure. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page

The best way to control the spread of hepatitis A and many other illnesses is through proper hand washing, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Hand washing should include 20 seconds of vigorous soaping of all parts of the hands, especially between fingers and under fingernails.