2003 Outbreak of Hepatitis A Infections Linked to Green Onions, Georgia

Outbreaks of hepatitis A infections were linked to the consumption of green onions at restaurants. A traceback showed that the implicated green onions originated from the same distributor from California suppliers and had been grown in Mexico. The implicated onion lots were distributed widely to central and northern Georgia counties. Over 300 cases of hepatitis A occurred. Three other states noted restaurant-associated, green onion, hepatitis A outbreaks in the fall of this year. These states were: Pennsylvania; North Carolina; Tennessee.

Overview

Outbreak began:September 2003
Affected country:US
States/territories:GA
Pathogen:Hepatitis A
Vehicle(s):Green onions
Location(s):Restaurant
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:348

Sources & documents

Report / reference links