FDA, CDC Investigating Hepatitis A Linked to Frozen Tuna

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning consumers about the risk of hepatitis A virus exposure from contaminated frozen tuna. 

The tuna, sourced from Sustainable Seafood Company, Vietnam, and Santa Cruz Seafood Inc., Philippines, was shipped to the US and may potentially have been used by establishments in Texas, Oklahoma, and California. 

The CDC is unaware of any illnesses linked to the tuna at this time, however, they do recommend post exposure prophylaxis for unvaccinated individuals who may have consumed potentially contaminated product within the past two weeks. 

Post exposure prophylaxis consists of hepatitis A vaccine for patients between the ages of 1 and 40 years old and hepatitis A virus-specific immunoglobulin for patients outside of this age range (the hepatitis A vaccine can be substituted if immunoglobulin is not available).

Individuals who consumed fully cooked fish are at reduced risk, but should still consult with a medical professional to rule out the possibility of infection. 

Reference

FDA investigates findings of hepatitis A linked to frozen tuna [press release]. Washington DC: US Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm561199.htm#table Updated June 6, 2017. Accessed June 7, 2017. 

This article originally appeared on MPR