Toronto Public Health confirms case of hepatitis A at local restaurant
Toronto Public Health is advising anyone who recently consumed food or beverages at the Cliffside Bistro located at 2277 Kingston Road on July 21, July 25 to 29, and August 2 and 4, that they may have been exposed to hepatitis A.
An employee of the restaurant has a confirmed case of hepatitis A. While the risk of getting the infection is low, individuals who visited this restaurant during these dates should watch for signs and symptoms and practise thorough hand washing.
Toronto Public Health will also be holding free hepatitis A vaccination clinics for anyone who consumed food at this restaurant on August 2 and 4. The hepatitis A vaccine is most effective when received within 14 days of exposure. Those individuals who may have been exposed more than 14 days ago should watch for signs and symptoms and seek medical attention should any symptoms develop.
Vaccination Clinics will be held at the Scarborough Civic Centre rotunda:
• Tuesday, August 15 from 4 to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause liver infection. Symptoms can last a few days to several months. Most people who are infected recover completely. Symptoms can begin 15 to 50 days after becoming infected. It is also possible to be infected and not have any symptoms. For symptomatic individuals, the severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dark urine, stomach pains and jaundice (yellowing of the skin).
Hepatitis A can be avoided by getting the hepatitis A vaccine, not handling or preparing food for anyone if you are ill and washing your hands often and thoroughly using soap and warm water. This is especially important after using the washroom, changing a diaper and before preparing or eating food. Always wash fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are travelling, especially outside of North America, be sure the water supply is safe before drinking it and use caution when consuming ice.
If you are concerned that you may have acquired hepatitis A or have questions about getting the vaccine, contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 or speak with your primary care provider as soon as possible. A fact sheet on hepatitis A is available at http://ow.ly/yUxC30ep9Q6.
(Source: City of Toronto) |