Precautionary warning: semi-dried tomatoes linked to hepatitis A
The Department of Health is warning people not to eat loose semi-dried tomatoes unless thoroughly cooked, following a recent outbreak of hepatitis A in Victoria.
Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate Dr Paul Armstrong said the Department of Health was investigating possible links between the semi-dried tomatoes and hepatitis A.
"Six Western Australians have been diagnosed with hepatitis A since September," he said.
"Four of the cases acquired the disease in Western Australia and three of these reported eating semi-dried tomatoes before becoming ill, so it is possible there is a link to the Victorian outbreak.
"The majority of cases in this outbreak have been recorded in Victoria, with a small number being reported in other states.
"Health authorities Australia-wide are working to identify the possible source of the contamination."
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, nausea, poor appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of a person's skin and eyes) and can develop between two and seven weeks after exposure. The illness may last several weeks.
Dr Armstrong said that anyone with symptoms of hepatitis should see their usual medical practitioner as soon as possible.
"Most people make a complete recovery although some people develop severe illness and may require hospitalisation," he said.
The warning applies only to loose semi-dried tomatoes, as sold in delicatessens or used in the catering industry, and not pre-packaged jars which undergo additional treatment steps.
ENDS
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