The woman died weeks later from eating healthy pomegranate seeds

Liver damage from contaminated fruit

Currently, media report an extremely rare case. According to Australian health officials, a 64-year-old woman died after eating pomegranate seeds. However, death did not occur immediately after consumption, but only weeks later. How could this tragic event come about? The health authorities in Australia are alarmed.

Very healthy - infections are rare

Pomegranate seeds are rich in potassium, iron and polyphenols. Secondary plant compounds act as so-called antioxidants against free oxygen radicals, which can damage the cells. Some studies have suggested that consumption may protect against cancer. But just that fruit was a fatal disaster for a patient. By eating a packet of pomegranate seeds, a 64-year-old woman became infected with hepatitis A pathogens. The death is in the context of frozen pomegranate seeds of the variety "Creative Gourmet". The cores had been recalled nationwide in April as there was evidence of hepatitis A pathogens. In the process, at least 24 people who had previously eaten the product fell ill. The Australian Health Authorities speak in this context of a "rare and tragic case".

"The death of the woman is the only death related to the nationwide recalled product," Health Minister Paddy Phillips said. Another 23 patients are already on the road to recovery. The doctors expect a complete recovery, as the minister emphasized. However, the population was called to look in the refrigerators to inspect them for suspicious pomegranate cores. Because according to authorities were recalled about 2000 packs with the contaminated cores in the trade and thus come into the sale. At the moment you do not expect further cases of infection and illnesses. According to doctors, it takes between 15 and 50 days to get infected after first infection.

Classic symptoms of hepatitis A

The classic symptoms of hepatitis A are jaundice (jaundice), fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine and pale bowel movements. The virus can be transmitted to other people by direct contact with hepatitis A sufferers. It can also get into the human body by ingesting contaminated food or drink. In most cases, the disease is mild and usually completely heals. "Only in very rare cases, it comes to heavy processes," says the Minister. Especially older people are affected.

Many do not notice the disease

In Germany, about half a million people suffer from viral hepatitis. Only one third of those affected suffers from progressive jaundice due to the typical jaundice. One third notice flu-like symptoms and another third have no symptoms at all. The latter was initially pleasant for the patients, but at the same time particularly treacherous. Because the late effects of chronic viral hepatitis include liver cancer and cirrhosis. People can also become infected during sex or over contaminated food such as mussels. (Sb)