A semi-dried tomato product mixed with garlic, herbs and oil has been linked to a spike in hepatitis A cases in at least three states, Australian health authorities say.

South Australian director of public health Kevin Buckett says there have been 26 cases in the state since March, more than 70 in Victoria and an increased number in Queensland.

The cases are thought to be linked to the tomato product, which is manufactured in both Victoria and Queensland and sold in various states by weight.

Queensland Health Deputy Director-General Aaron Groves says an investigation into the possible contamination of unpackaged, loosely purchased semi-dried tomatoes is underway.
 

The Toronto Star reports that a health alert was issued today after it was discovered that two employees of a Newmarket Tim Hortons were found infected with Hepatitis A.

York Region Public Health was notified of a case of hepatitis A at the Tim Hortons at 16545 Yonge St., near Savage Rd., on April 21. Following the initial investigation, it was decided the risk to customers was very low based on the employee’s position.

"He was not involved in food handling," said York Region medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji. "Given that, we didn’t feel the need to notify the public."

Oops, because...

The next day investigators conducted routine tests and offered immunization to workers. These tests revealed a second case, which was discovered on April 24. It was decided the risk of contamination to the public in this case was higher.

"The overall assessment when investigating the risk with the second case was the employee was handling food," said Kurji. "It was prudent for us to reach out to public and take necessary precautions.

York Region Public Health is holding a vaccine clinic Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the auditorium of the Newmarket Health Centre. People who ate food from this Tim Hortons between April 13 and April 22 are eligible for the vaccine. However, anyone who ate there between April 2 and April 22 could be infected.

Hep A happens a lot, but the way this one has been handled raises a few questions for me:

I wonder why the folks who ate at the Hortons before April 13th are excluded from eligibility from the vaccine? Does someone need to prove (with a receipt?) that they ate there between April 13 and 22nd? Who bears the cost if someone wants to get an IGG shot and is excluded? What happens if that individual gets sick?

This week's food safety infosheet was about Hep A in a produce handler in Colorado.

The Denver Post reports that people who have eaten store-prepared produce from an Albertsons in Littleton, Colorado, recently could face shots because a store employee has tested positive for hepatitis A.

The Tri-County Health Department said the warning applies specifically to those who have bought green onions, celery that has had the leaves trimmed, any lettuce that was not pre-bagged, any pre-cut watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew melon.

"The employee followed good hand hygiene practices and wore gloves," said Dr. Richard L. Vogt, executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.

For more information call the health department at 303-846-2006 or Albertsons at 1-877-932-7948. Information also is available on the health department website, www.tchd.org.

It’s Oscar time and I can’t wait to see which celebrities have to get vaccinated for hepatitis A this year after the parties. But until Sunday, soccer seems to be the source of reminders to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, which is transmitted via human poop.

RC Recreativo de Huelva are set to be without Spain Under-21 midfielder Sisi (right) for at least the next six weeks after the 22-year-old was diagnosed with hepatitis A.

Sisi is not the first U21 international to contract hepatitis A this year. Germany's Ashkan Dejagah was diagnosed with the same condition in early February and his club – VfL Wolfsburg – are resigned to losing him for a "very long time".