According to Southwestern Public Heath in Ontario, Canada, a food worker at the TA Travel Centre at 535 Mill Street in Woodstock, Ontario has been diagnosed with hepatitis A. The worker was at the restaurant between August 6 and August 22, 2019. Anyone who ate at that restaurant during that time frame may have been exposed to the virus.
Officials are not aware of any illnesses that have developed as a result of this possible exposure. They are recommending that anyone who ate at that venue during that time frame contact their doctor to inquire about a hepatitis A vaccination. Those people can also call Southwestern Public Health’s dedicated hepatitis A line at 1-800-922-0096 x 5 weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. A public nurse will answer questions.
Elaine Reddick, Manager of Infectious Diseases at the health unit said in a statement, “Unfortunately, an individual may have hepatitis A and not know it. That is what occurred in this situation. The food service worker handled food in the restaurant, so this communication is relevant to anyone who ordered off the menu in the restaurant or ordered take out. It does not apply to those who purchased prepared foods at the convenience store or ate from the buffet.”
Immunization clinics have been organized by public health officials at the health office at 410 Buller Street, in Woodstock, for these days: Wednesday, August 28 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm; Thursday, August 29, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm; and Friday, August 30, from 9:00 am to noon.
Unfortunately, anyone who ate at the TA Travel Centre before August 14, 2019 may not be eligible for a vaccination, since it is only effective if given within two weeks of exposure. Those people should watch for symptoms of hepatitis A, which include jaundice, lethargy, dark urine, abdominal pain, and clay-colored stools, and contact their doctor if they get sick. The incubation period is between 15 and 50 days.
The best way to prevent these infections is to be vaccinated, especially if you work with the public. Other ways to prevent the illness is to wash your hands well after using the bathroom and before preparing food for others.
