Acute health warning Beware of dates with the hepatitis A virus

Dates of the variety "Juicy Dates" could contain the hepatitis A virus

The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety warns of dates of a Danish company that could contain hepatitis A viruses. It is the brand "Juicy Dates Dates, 400g" from the Danish company "RM Import" with the best before dates January 28, 2018 and June 10, 2018. Denmark has already had hepatitis A infections, probably through consumption the dates were triggered. The company can not rule out that even contaminated dates have reached Germany. The consumption is strongly discouraged.

Typical symptoms of hepatitis A infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, fatigue and jaundice. Anyone who shows these or similar symptoms after eating the affected dates should contact the family doctor and point out a possible hepatitis infection. So far, however, no case is known. The company has already responded with a recall and removed the affected products from the sale. In addition, already sold products can be returned to the market. The purchase price will be refunded.

Hepatitis usually causes flu-like symptoms

In hepatitis, depending on the type of virus, various symptoms may occur. As a rule, the general symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a flu. These include tiredness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, fever, nausea and vomiting. As the disease progresses, typical signs such as dark urine, mild bowel movements and yellow eyes or skin (jaundice) may be added. The inflammation releases substances that increase liver function. Accordingly, a suspected hepatitis can provide a blood test.

Hepatitis A is favored by poor hygiene

Hepatitis A is very contagious. Often, people become infected with the disease on a journey, as the viruses often occur in countries with low hygienic standards. The virus is transmitted either through direct contact with infected individuals who leave their virus on toilets or door handles, or indirectly via contaminated food and contaminated drinking or bathing water. A drug therapy against the hepatitis A virus does not exist so far. In most cases, bed rest treatment is recommended. (Vb)