Hepatitis A Outbreaks Associated with Eating Raw or Undercooked Green Onions (Scallions)
1. FDA advised consumers that three recent hepatitis A outbreaks have been associated with eating raw or undercooked green onions (scallions).
2. It only applies to raw or undercooked green onions or products containing them. Commercially prepared products, such as salsa in jars, have received a treatment that eliminates the hepatitis A virus.
3. Consumers can cook all raw green onions thoroughly before eating them. This minimizes the risk of illness by reducing or eliminating the virus, avoid eating raw or lightly cooked green onions.
4. People with chronic liver disease or weakened immune systems should consider avoiding raw or undercooked green onions until the cause of green onion contamination has been identified and corrected. All persons with chronic liver disease should get hepatitis A vaccination.
5. The State of Pennsylvania , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA are working together to investigate this outbreak. As of November 15, 2003, the investigation is not finished, and it is not yet known what caused this outbreak. Investigators are now trying to determine if the outbreak was caused by a contaminated food such as raw or undercooked green onions.
6. FDA has informed the restaurant industry of the association of hepatitis A with raw or undercooked green onions in recent outbreaks so that restaurants can take actions to protect their customers.
7. Persons with hepatitis A virus infection may not have any signs or symptoms of the disease. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children... If symptoms ! are present, they usually occur abruptly and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
8. Most persons with hepatitis A make a full recovery and will never get hepatitis A again.
9. Consumers who have recently eaten raw or lightly cooked green onions and feel well only need to monitor their health.. Consumers who are experiencing symptoms that might be hepatitis A should consult their health care provider.
10. There is a blood test for hepatitis A, called an IgM anti-HAV.
11. Immune globulin is a preparation of antibodies that can be given before exposure to provide short-term protection against hepatitis A to reduce the risk of infection among persons who have recently been exposed to hepatitis A.
12. Some patients with hepatitis A may need to be hospitalized to treat dehydration or liver complications.
13. Hepatitis A vaccine has been licensed in the United States for use in persons 2 years of age and older. The vaccine is recommended for persons who are more likely to get hepatitis A virus infection or are more likely to get seriously ill if they do get hepatitis A. More information on vaccination can be found at http://www./.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/faqa.htm.
