Minnesota reports 1 case of hepatitis A linked to outbreak

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota health officials say the state has reported its first case of hepatitis A linked to blackberries sold at Fresh Thyme grocery stores in September.

The Minnesota Department of Health said Wednesday the person was hospitalized and has since recovered.

Health officials have warned consumers in 11 states against eating some berries bought from the Fresh Thyme chain. Officials have confirmed 14 cases of hepatitis A as part of the outbreak in Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Fresh Thyme has said it is cooperating with investigators to identify the source of the contamination.

Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver and can cause mild, flu-like symptoms.

Minnesota health officials are reminding consumers to avoid eating fresh, non-organic blackberries bought from Fresh Thyme between Sept. 9 and Sept. 30.

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