A possible outbreak of hepatitis A associated with semi-dried tomatoes, England, July-November 2011

Euro Surveill. 2012 Feb 9;17(6):20083.

Abstract

In October 2011, two primary cases of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection with identical HAV genotype IB strains to those seen in other outbreaks associated with semi-dried tomatoes were reported in England. Both cases had consumed semi-dried tomatoes. Epidemiological investigations revealed two additional cases of genotype IB strains with different sequences who also reported having consumed semi-dried tomatoes. In November, five cases of HAV infection with closely related strains were identified in the Netherlands. A foodborne multiple-strain outbreak is suspected.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • England / epidemiology
  • Epidemiologic Studies
  • Female
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Foodborne Diseases / virology
  • Genotyping Techniques
  • Hepatitis A / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis A / virology
  • Hepatitis A Virus, Human / genetics*
  • Hepatitis A Virus, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Serotyping
  • Solanum lycopersicum / virology*
  • Young Adult