In the Netherlands, hepatitis A outbreak has been recorded, associated with the use of contaminated blueberry. The virus was infected with 12 people, two of whom are in serious condition and need hospitalization. About it reports the portal Nu.nl with reference to the National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM).
Infection is associated with frozen blueberry, which was sold in 1 kg packages with a shelf life by April 14, 2026. These products were imported from Poland and sold on one of the large Netherlands supermarkets. According to RIVM, the hepatitis A virus was detected on the surface of the berries.
"This virus is transmitted through faeces from person to person. Most likely, one of the employees engaged in the harvesting of berries did not follow the rules of hygiene after visiting the toilet. Another possible cause is the use of polluted water for irrigation," the Elko Franz Institute's representative explained.
The supermarket network immediately urged buyers to turn the packages with frozen blueberry, even if the packaging was already opened.
The outbreak was discovered after the reports of general practitioners who began to contact local health authorities due to the increase in the number of patients with hepatitis A. The Municipal Health Service found that all patients had used the same product, which allowed to identify the source of infection.
The age of the victims is from 25 to 77 years. Given the serious condition of the two patients, the situation causes considerable concern in the public.
