The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cooperating with Egyptian authorities in their investigation into an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen strawberries imported from Egypt, according to an update from the FDA. As of Thursday, the number of cases has widened to reach 70 infected individuals, up from 55 reported on Wednesday. Though the infected individuals are spread out through seven states, all were linked by their consumption of frozen strawberry smoothies from a cafe chain in Virginia and nearby states. “The FDA’s investigation into the source and distribution of the strawberries is ongoing, and the agency has been in touch with the Egyptian International Health Regulations National Focal Point to discuss the investigation,” according to the statement.

For domestic consumption only: With regard to the outbreak, the only question on the domestic media’s mind is whether this is all the result of an Israeli conspiracy or that of the Muslim Brotherhood. Al Ahram’s “agricultural experts” believe it may be an Israeli conspiracy to tank Egyptian exports. An alternate theory floated in the same article is that the accusation of the hepatitis A outbreak being linked to Egyptian strawberries is a retaliatory action in response to the ergot zero tolerance policy, which itself is presented as “a triumph for the health of the Egyptian people and an abolition of the import of wheat.” Did you read that? No more wheat imports. Mabrouk. Published on Thursday, the piece says that there are only three confirmed cases of the outbreak in the United States and that Agriculture Minister Essam Fayed has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate. Also, something about tying this all together with the sacking of Supply Minister Khaled Hanafy for good measure.

Youm7 op-ed writer Wael Semary begins his own investigative piece with the wise, cautious words “I’m not personally inclined to rely on conspiracy theories, but…” Semary is primarily concerned about the source of the story he is examining about the outbreak, Al Araby Al Jadeed (cached), founded by Azmi Bishara, an Israeli Arab Christian. Semary goes on to argue that the article appearing in Al Araby Al Jadeed is part of a Brotherhood plot to destroy the Egyptian economy.