Costco berry recall and hepatitis A: What you need to know

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investigating hepatitis A infections linked to therecently recalledNature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend, a frozen fruit product sold at Costco stores.

Here are some answers to questionsabout the product, the recall and hepatitis A:

Where and when was the productsold?

AtCostco stores in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, between Dec.11, 2015, and April 15, 2016,according to federal health officials.

Costco Canada has said it also gave out free samplesin some locations.

What should I do?

Check your home for any Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend, anddo not consume the product.

"Secure the product in a plastic bag, throw it out and wash your hands with warm soapy water," PHACsays."If you are unsure whether a frozen fruit product you have in your home is part of the food recall warning, do not consume it."

• Costco fruit recall:Get immunized immediately, consumers warned

See your health-care provider if you suspect you've been exposed to the recalled product, even if you tasted any samples, or have hepatitis A symptoms.Vaccination is recommendedwithin two weeks of exposure.

What is hepatitis A?

It's one of the threehepatitis viruses that canaffect the liver the others are hepatitis Band C. Hepatitis A is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food and water, or through contact with an infectedperson.

The World Health Organization says almost everyone recovers fully from hepatitis A, and"very small proportions die from fulminant[sudden and severe]hepatitis.Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A infection does not cause chronic liver disease and is rarely fatal, but it can cause debilitating symptoms and acute liver failure if not treated, the WHO adds.

Some people with hepatitis A may not be symptomatic,but can still transmit the illness by serving food or drinks,PHACsays.

In most people, symptoms appear two to seven weeks after infection and caninclude:

• Fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomach cramps.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
• Dark urine.
• Fatigue.

"Symptoms are usually mild, and the illness usually lasts one to two weeks," the agencysays. "Although severe cases can last several months, most people recover without treatment. It is rare for healthy adults to die from hepatitisA, and the illness does not become chronic."

How manyhepatitis A cases relate to this outbreak?

As of April 22,11 cases related to this recall were found eight in Ontario, two in Quebec, and one in Newfoundland and Labrador, PHAC says.

How do I get a hepatitis Avaccination?

Contact your health-care provider, your local public health department or your localCostco pharmacy. Costcois offering free vaccinations for anyone affected by the recall.

What if I've already been vaccinated?

PHAC says the vaccination provides "lifetime immunity," so Canadians who've already had the shot don't need to get another one.