Hepatitis A Outbreak Confirmed In NY, 3 Other States

NEW YORK — A Hepatitis A outbreak has been confirmed in New York and three other states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced, tracing it back to tainted frozen clams.

The outbreak has sickened at least 37 people and hospitalized 30; victims range from ages 6 to 40, the CDC said.

Other states impacted include Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.

"The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," the CDC said. "This is because some people may recover without medical care and are not tested for hepatitis A virus."

It can also take weeks to connect a case of the virus to a specific outbreak.

Investigators say that 77 percent of people interviewed had recently eaten ceviche, a dish including raw clams, and 47 percent reported eating raw clams.

In April, sellers recalled one brand, La Serranita-brand concha negra, a black shell clam meat.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A include diarrhea, dark urine or clay colored stool, exhaustion, fever, joint pain, nausea, and jaundice. Severe disease like liver failure is also possible.

If you believe you've been exposed, contact your local health department.