102 Reported Hepatitis A Victims from Tropical Cafe Smoothies

Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and partner.

As I have reported since the initial Virginia outbreak of Hepatitis A linked to Tropical Cafe Smoothies, the ongoing investigation has now spread to seven states and 102 people, of which 39 have been hospitalized. As of today, no deaths have been reported.

As of September 9, 2016, victims from seven states have been identified.

• Virginia – 83 cases
• Maryland – 10 cases
• West Virginia – 5 cases
• New York – 1 case
• North Carolina – 1 case
• Oregon – 1 case
• Wisconsin – 1 case

The CDC’s ongoing investigation of this outbreak of Hepatits A continues to identify new cases related to the initial contaminated product. Nearly all the ill people who were interviewed indicated that they had consumed smoothies containing strawberries at Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations before August 8, 2016. Even though the contaminated fruit is no longer on the menu, with an incubation period of up to 50 days, more related Hepatitis A cases could be identified in the upcoming weeks.

The FDA’s investigation into the source and distribution of the strawberries continues also. The agency is working with the Egyptian International Health Regulations National Focal Point to discuss the investigation. “FDA is is attempting to identify other parts of the relevant supply chain and will take appropriate action as necessary. However, FDA is prohibited by law in most situations from releasing publicly certain confidential commercial information about supply chains.The FDA has initiated increased surveillance of imported strawberries and will provide more information as it becomes available.”

My firm has filed class-action lawsuits and complaints on behalf of injured people related to this outbreak. If you have questions about this litigation, please contact me.

Do you have any questions about this post? If so, please email Mr. Zambri: [email protected].

About the author:

Mr. Zambri is the author of a widely renowned book on product liability litigation. His experience and knowledge regarding personal injury is often sought by other lawyers and he regularly speaks at seminars regarding personal injury litigation. Mr. Zambri has also been acknowledged as one of “The Best Lawyers in America” by Best Lawyers (2016 edition) and has been repeatedly named a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyer magazine (2016) – national publications that honor the top lawyers in America.

Mr. Zambri has been successful in litigating food poisoning cases. He is knowledgeable and experienced in handling the unique complexities involved in food poisoning litigation.