ACT Health is investigating a case of hepatitis A that may be linked to a cluster of cases in NSW.
It is believed the NSW cases are linked with the consumption of imported frozen pomegranate sold through Coles stores.
ACT Health said it was advising consumers who may have bought imported frozen pomegranate from Coles supermarkets to not eat the product but to dispose of it instead.
NSW Health said it had identified seven locally acquired cases of hepatitis A, all after consuming the imported product purchased from Coles.
It said it was working with other States and Territories to determine the prevalence in other jurisdictions and ACT Health was assisting with that investigation.
ACT Health said hepatitis A is caused by a virus that spreads through contaminated food or poor hygiene, and symptoms could take from 15 to 50 days to develop.
“Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever and yellowing of the skin, dark urine and pale stools,” it said.
“People who have eaten frozen pomegranate from Coles should consult their local general practitioner as early as possible should symptoms appear.”
It said those who had consumed the product in the past two weeks might benefit from a hepatitis A vaccination, if not already protected.
“If you are unsure if you have been vaccinated in the past it is safe to be revaccinated — check with your local general practitioner,” ACT Health said.
