The FDA has issued a public health alert about possible hepatitis A contamination in Bauer’s Candies’ Modjeskas. This product is individually wrapped marshmallow candy that is dipped in chocolate or caramel. A worker in the facility tested positive for hepatitis A.

These Modjeskas candy products are available at retail stores throughout the country and can also be purchased through QVC and from the Bauers Candy web site. A recall with complete information will be posted when the company and the FDA are finished with it.

At this time, the FDA and CDC are not aware of any cases of hepatitis A that may be related to these Modjeskas candies. Unfortunately, the disease can have a long incubation period.

The risk of transmission from these candies is low, but the FDA is recommending that anyone who ate these candies after November 14, 2018 should get a hepatitis A or immune globulin vaccination. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting this shot.

Hepatitis A is a very contagious virus that can cause serious illness in people who have underlying conditions, especially any type of liver biases. The virus affects the liver. This virus is spread through the fecal-oral route.

The virus is shed in the feces, up to two weeks before any symptoms appear. If a person then doesn’t wash their hands well after using the bathroom, they can spread the virus to others. A microscopic amount of feces is all it takes to contaminate food or surfaces.

It can take up to 50 days for symptoms to appear. The symptoms of hepatitis A include headache, fever, fatigue, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, diarrhea, clay colored stools, abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

If you purchased these Modjeskas candies after November 14, 2018, throw them away in a sealed package so other people can’t access them. More information about this issue and any possible recall will be posted by the FDA.