Marj’s Village Kitchen in Alma, Ontario has closed after a hepatitis A warning from the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph health department. Anyone who ate at that restaurant between January 2 and January 20, 2015 has potentially been exposed to hepatitis A because an employee was diagnosed with the illness.
The public health department is offering hepatitis A vaccinations as long as you visited the restaurant on or before January 13, 2014. The vaccine only works if received within two weeks of exposure. The sites are 160 Chancellors Way in Guelph; 180 Broadyway in Orangeville; and 474 Wellington Road #18, Suite 100, RR#1 in Fergus.
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes liver infection. The symptoms usually begin 15 to 50 days after infection. The illness usually lasts for 3 to 6 weeks. Symptoms include fever, stomach pain, dark urine, clay or ash-colored bowel movements, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the whites of eyes and skin).
Hepatitis A can be serious, especially for anyone with chronic liver disease and the elderly. The virus is found in the feces of an infected person. It spreads when a person doesn’t wash their hands after using the bathroom. Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing this virus.
Also avoid sharing common items such as cups and finger foods. Don’t go to work or school when you are sick. Always wash fresh vegetables and fruits in clean running water before preparing them.
