Hepatitis Outbreak Linked To Smoothies Infects 50 In 4 States

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - A hepatitis A outbreak linked to Egyptian strawberries has grown to more than 50 cases in four states.

A health official in West Virginia says three confirmed cases in the state's Eastern Panhandle are linked to frozen berries used at a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Martinsburg, and another case is under investigation.

Jefferson County Health Department physician director David Didden told The Journal that cases linked to the cafes in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina are being investigated as well.

Virginia health officials have confirmed at least 40 of the viral infections, which can damage the liver.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe representative Peyton Sadler said the contaminated strawberries have all been pulled, and now they're using strawberries from California and Mexico.

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