A PERSON from western NSW has been diagnosed with hepatitis A after eating frozen mixed berries that are the subject of a massive recall.
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NSW Health director communicable diseases, Doctor Vicky Sheppeard, confirmed an adult in western NSW had been diagnosed with the liver disease.
"We are unable to reveal specific details about the location of the patient due to strict privacy regulations which protect personal information," she said.
The diagnosis came a day after the Victorian Health Department issued a massive recall for one-kilogram packets of Nanna's mixed berries frozen fruit, which was linked to two cases of hepatitis A in NSW and three in Victoria.
Nanna's berries are packed in China and distributed in Australia by Patties Foods, a company based in Bairnsdale, Victoria.
"Given that Nanna's mixed berries is a widely-distributed product, there is the potential that others may be sick with hepatitis A now, or develop the disease over the coming weeks," Dr Sheppeard said.
She said all cases of hepatitis A, irrespective of how they were contracted, were followed up by local public health units and the national control measures including vaccination, antibodies and information on hygiene were implemented to protect others from getting ill.
"Vaccine, if given within two weeks of first exposure to an infectious case, is highly effective in preventing infection in their contacts," she said.
Dr Sheppeard urged local residents to abide by the product recall and be vigilant for symptoms.
"Consumers should take heed of the NSW Food Authority's warning not to consume Nanna's mixed berries, frozen in one-kilogram plastic bags, with 'best before' dates up to and including 22/11/16," she said.
"The NSW Food Authority has advised consumers to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund, or discard it.
"Creative Gourmet mixed berries have also been recalled, as a precaution. The same actions should be taken with Creative Gourmet berries.
"People who have eaten either brand of berries should watch out for symptoms for up to seven weeks."
Symptoms of hepatitis A began two to seven weeks after exposure to an infectious person or after eating contaminated food, Dr Sheppeard said.
"Early symptoms are fever, nausea and loss of appetite," she said.
"After several days jaundice can develop which is noticed by yellowing of the eyeballs and skin, or dark urine and pale stools, sometimes accompanied by vomiting and diarrhoea.
"It is important that if people have the symptoms of hepatitis they see their doctor for testing, especially if they have eaten this product in the last two months.
"They should also take steps to not spread the infection, by careful handwashing and not handling food or providing personal care to others until they receive advice from their doctor."
