FDA Investigates Bottled Water Company Linked to Hepatitis Outbreak
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of non-viral hepatitis, but the bottled water company in question, Real Water Inc., refuses to give them their records. FDA reports that the water is the only commonality among the outbreak patients.
Five people in Nevada became sick from non-viral hepatitis, and all five have been admitted to the hospital. Each of the people who became sick consumed Real Water brand alkaline water, and it is the only common link identified among all five cases, to date. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is helping FDA and the Southern Nevada Health District with the investigation.
Real Water Inc. issued a recall of all of its water on March 24. These products include 5-gallon containers sold through home delivery and subscription, bottles sold online and in-stores, and the "Real Water" concentrate sold online.
The recall also includes 1.5 liter, 1 liter, 500-ml, and 1-gallon ready-to-drink alkaline water bottles, and 4-ounce bottles of "Real Water" concentrate.
Any consumers who have drunk any of the recalled water, and developed symptoms of hepatitis, should seek medical attention. It can sometimes take up to 50 days for symptoms to develop. Symptoms of hepatitis can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay- or gray-colored bowel movements, joint pain, or yellow eyes and/or skin.
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