“Real Water” Linked with Acute Non-Viral Hepatitis Illnesses
“Real Water” brand alkaline water is currently under investigation by the FDA, the CDC, and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) due to a likely connection with recent reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in the state of Nevada. In a press release, “Real Water” Inc. stated that the recalled alkaline water products were distributed nationwide and include the 5-gallon container, 1.5 liter, 1 liter, 500 ml and 1 gallon ready-to-drink alkaline water bottles and the 4 oz. concentrate.
Since March 31, 2021, the FDA has conducted a series of health and safety audits at the “Real Water” Inc. facilities located in Henderson, Nevada, and in Mesa, Arizona. The FDA is currently analyzing documents provided by “Real Water” Inc. as well as information collected during its recent inspections. In addition, “Real Water” products are continuously being sampled, in order to determine the origin of the hepatitis infection. Despite the FDA and CDC’s published warnings against the consumption or selling of “Real Water” alkaline water, health officials have determined that the concerned products are still available through certain online retailers. Health officials are working to ensure that all “Real Water” products are made unavailable for purchase.
The FDA, CDC, and SNHD wish to reiterate to all consumers, restaurants, retailers, and distributors the importance that “Real Water” alkaline water not be drinken, cooked with, sold, or served for consumption, as the source of the contamination has not yet been discovered and certain products may still be contaminated.
Acute non-viral hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver that can arise suddenly, sometimes causing scarring of liver tissue or even liver failure. There are three known types of non-viral hepatitis; toxic, alcoholic, and autoimmune hepatitis. Toxic hepatitis, which is caused by chemicals, drugs, or nutritional supplements is believed to be the cause of this outbreak as alkaline water contains additives in order to raise its pH level above 7.
Despite the variety of possible causes, non-viral hepatitis illness manifests itself in many of the same symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, joint pain, jaundice, and dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms after coming into contact with “Real Water” you should notify your healthcare provider immediately.
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/chemicals/nonviralhepatitis.htm
