FDA: ‘Real Water’ Alkaline Water May Be Linked to Hepatitis Outbreak

WEDNESDAY, March 17, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Real Water brand alkaline water may be the cause of five cases of acute nonviral hepatitis (resulting in acute liver failure) in infants and children that occurred in November 2020 in the Southern Nevada Health District, and it should not be consumed, served, sold, or used for cooking, health officials say.

All five patients were hospitalized but have since recovered. Five other people — two adults and three children — had other hepatitis symptoms, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The investigation is ongoing, but current evidence indicates that Real Water brand alkaline water may be the cause of the illnesses, the agency said.

Symptoms of all types of hepatitis, including nonviral hepatitis, are similar and can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, gray-colored bowel movements, joint pain, yellow eyes, and jaundice.

The FDA added that it is in the beginning stages of this investigation, and there may be more products connected to this outbreak. The FDA has also initiated an investigation at the firm.

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