The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and multiple state public health officials are investigating the origin of a multistate Hepatitis A outbreak linked to strawberries.

To date, the CDC reports 70 victims in seven states--Virginia (55), Maryland (6), West Virginia (5), New York (1), North Carolina (1), Oregon (1), and Wisconsin (1). Thus far, 32 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The ill victims reported drinking smoothies containing strawberries.

Epidemiologic and traceback tests link the contaminated frozen strawberries to Egypt. Last month, a franchise of smoothie cafes removed the Egyptian frozen strawberries from their stores and switched to a new supplier for their locations nationwide.

Although the investigation continues, the CDC says they are not aware of the contaminated strawberries being distributed to any other U.S. restaurant or retailer.

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