Hepatitis A vaccines being offered to Islanders who purchased recalled Costco fruit

Hepatitis A vaccines are now being offered to Islanders who purchased Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen fruit, sold exclusively atCostco, after an outbreak of hepatitis A infections linked to the product.

• Costco to provide free Hep A vaccination clinics after frozen berry recall

• Frozen berry mix sold at Costco recalled over possible hepatitis A contamination

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recalled the product, distributed in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Many Prince Edward Island shoppers frequent Costco in Moncton, N.B.

Costco Canada is offering free hepatitis A vaccinations at their store locations for anyone who has eaten the frozen berries in the last 14 days. Islanders can also get vaccinated locally at Health PEI Public Health Nursing or community pharmacies and submit their receipts to Costco for reimbursement.

"Vaccination can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within two weeks of exposure," states a written release from P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Office.

Hep A not usually serious

Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, jaundice, dark urine and fatigue. If you have symptoms or suspect you've been exposed to the recalled product, see your health care provider immediately, the release advises.

The overall risk to Canadians is low, and most people with hepatitis A recover on their own, the release continued. In rare cases some people develop more severe illness, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

"Symptoms are usually mild, and the illness usually lasts one to two weeks. Although severe cases can last several months, most people recover without treatment," the release said.

As of last Sunday, 13 cases of hepatitis A infection have been confirmed: nine in Ontario, three in Quebec and one in Newfoundland. There have been no cases in P.E.I.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with federal and provincial public health partners to investigate the outbreak.

For more information, people are asked to visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's website.