FDA investigating hepatitis cases linked to alkaline water

The FDA says the affected product is sold in five gallon bottles as well as in smaller amounts

Cases of non-viral hepatitis are being investigated in the US, with alkaline water thought to be the cause.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Southern Nevada Health District is investigating a number of reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in the state of Nevada.

The consumption of “Real Water” brand alkaline water is thought to be the only common link identified among all of these cases to date by the authorities. The FDA has stressed that although the investigation is ongoing, epidemiologic information currently indicates that this alkaline water product may be the cause of the illnesses.

The agency says it is in the beginning stages of this investigation, and there may be additional products connected to this outbreak. The FDA has also confirmed it has initiated an investigation at the firm.

The FDA says consumers, restaurants and retailers should not drink, cook with, sell, or serve “Real Water” alkaline water, until more information is known about the cause of the illnesses. These products include but are not limited to: five gallon containers (sold through home delivery/subscription), bottles (sold online and in stores), and the “Real Water” concentrate (sold online).

The five gallon containers are delivered to homes in the following areas, according to the firm’s website: Honolulu, through Aloha Water, Orange County (California), through Paradise Bottling Company, St. George (Utah), through Real Water Southern Utah, Tucson (Arizona), through Aqua Pure, and Ventura and Santa Barbara (California), through Real Water Gold Coast.

Symptoms of all types of hepatitis, including non-viral hepatitis, are similar and can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay or grey-coloured bowel movements, joint pain, yellow eyes, and jaundice. The FDA says those experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor.