It started with what seemed like an ordinary trip to the supermarket—but for nearly 100 people in the UK, it ended in a hospital bed.

Health officials are now scrambling to uncover the cause of a surge in hepatitis A cases, with growing evidence pointing to a popular but unnamed food item sold in stores.

A Sudden Spike in Hepatitis A Cases

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a sharp rise in hepatitis A infections.

A total of 95 cases have been confirmed, with 58 individuals falling seriously ill and requiring hospital treatment.

What’s especially concerning is that hepatitis A isn’t typically common in the UK—making this spike particularly alarming.

What’s Behind the Outbreak?

After interviewing many of the affected patients, investigators noticed a common thread: most of them had eaten the same food product from a particular supermarket before getting sick.

Officials haven’t publicly named the product yet but have acknowledged that it’s now being treated as a “possible vehicle of transmission.”

Two Separate Clusters Identified

Health experts have tracked the outbreak back to two distinct clusters.

The first began back in January 2021 and has continued sporadically, with 23 cases reported since August 2024.

The second, more recent cluster kicked off in January 2023 and is still ongoing, with reports trickling in as late as March 2025.

In total, 53 of the new cases have been reported since December 2024.

Of these, the first group saw 19 people hospitalized—mostly individuals between the ages of 50 and 69.

The second group was even more severe, with 39 patients needing hospital care.

How Hepatitis A Spreads

Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver and is usually spread through tiny traces of fecal matter that end up in food or drinks—often due to poor hygiene practices.

It’s highly infectious, and although not usually life-threatening in the UK, it can lead to serious complications if untreated.

Unlike hepatitis B or C, this strain doesn’t cause chronic liver damage, but it can still trigger severe symptoms and, in rare cases, liver failure.

Symptoms to Watch For

Hepatitis A can be sneaky. Many people, especially children, don’t show any symptoms at first.

When symptoms do appear, they might include:

High temperature
Fatigue and flu-like feelings
Nausea and stomach pain
Pale grey stool and itchy skin
Changes in bowel habits

In more serious cases, patients may develop jaundice—a yellowing of the skin and eyes—which is a clear sign the liver is struggling.

How Long It Lasts and What to Do

Most people recover within three to six months, often without treatment.

But doctors may offer medication to ease symptoms.

The NHS advises those infected to avoid alcohol, skip food preparation duties, and practice safe sex while infectious—generally for about seven days after symptoms appear.

Hygiene and Prevention

The best defense against hepatitis A is simple: good hygiene.

Washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before meals can significantly reduce the risk.

And while the hepatitis A vaccine isn’t part of the UK’s routine immunisation schedule, it is sometimes offered in high-risk situations or after an outbreak.

Children Also Affected

This isn’t the first time the UK has seen a hepatitis scare.

Back in early 2022, around 180 children under 10 came down with an unusual form of hepatitis—far above the usual 20 cases per year.

A separate outbreak in a Huddersfield school in 2023 led to two confirmed cases among pupils, prompting health authorities to offer vaccinations to both students and staff as a safety measure.

What Happens Next?

Health authorities, including Public Health Scotland and UKHSA, are continuing their investigation.

The focus remains on identifying the contaminated food item and preventing further spread.

Until then, public health experts are urging people to stay vigilant—especially when it comes to personal hygiene and food safety.

As the story unfolds, the public will be waiting to learn more about the source and how future outbreaks can be avoided.

In the meantime, the spotlight remains on supermarkets, supply chains, and the importance of early detection.