August 30, 2016 — The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed 44 cases of hepatitis A in an outbreak linked to frozen strawberries at Tropical Smoothies Café.
All of the victims reported having a smoothie at the café between May and August 9, when the strawberries were removed. Approximately 50% of the victims were hospitalized.
Tropical Smoothies Café has been hit with individual lawsuits from people who were diagnosed with hepatitis A, including a man named Constantinos Raptis who was hospitalized for 3 days.
A class action lawsuit has also been filed on behalf of everyone who was exposed to hepatitis A and needed a vaccine, blood test, or other medical treatment. According to the complaint:
“Genetic testing shows the illnesses were caused by a strain of hepatitis A that has been associated with past outbreaks due to frozen strawberries from Egypt.”
New cases may not be reported yet because it can take up to 6 weeks for symptoms to appear. About 10% of cases last up to six months.
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes liver inflammation. It spreads by the “fecal-to-oral” route of transmission. The symptoms of infection can appear anywhere from 15-50 days after exposure. It can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, and other symptoms.
Do I have a Hepatitis A Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Tropical Smoothie Café induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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