Toronto Public Health is reporting a confirmed case of hepatitis A in an employee working at Earls Kitchen + Bar (601 King St. W.) and is encouraging diners who may have been exposed to the virus to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Hepatitis A is transmitted from person to person by microscopic amounts of material from the fecal-oral route. It is found in the stool of a person infected with the virus. A common route of exposure is through food contaminated by infected food handlers. It is not spread by coughing or sneezing.
Exposures may have occurred on the following dates and times:
- July 11: 4 p.m. to close
- July 12: 4:30 p.m. to close
- July 15: 4:30 p.m. to close
- July 16: 7 p.m. to close
Restaurant guests who consumed food or beverages during these time windows should watch for signs and symptoms and wash their hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water.
The hepatitis A vaccine is most effective when received within 14 days of exposure. The health department is hosting free hepatitis A vaccine clinics at Metro Hall (55 John Street) on July 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and July 26 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for anyone who may have been exposed.
Please enter through the Wellington Street entrance. Paid parking is available underground
About Hepatitis A
Food that is contaminated with hepatitis A does not look or smell bad.
Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause a liver infection. Symptoms can last a few days to several months. Most people who are infected recover completely and develop lifetime immunity following infection.
Hepatitis A can be serious. Older people and those with chronic liver disease are at a greater risk of more serious illness including hospitalization. Unlike Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A does not develop into chronic hepatitis. Death from Hepatitis A infection is rare.
Symptoms can begin 15 to 50 days after becoming infected, so diners at the restaurant should continue to monitor themselves for symptoms in the coming weeks. 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 and include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dark urine
- Stomach pains
- 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
- Washing your hands often and thoroughly using soap and warm water. This is especially important after using the bathroom, 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 experiencing symptoms of hepatitis A, contact the health department at 416-338-7600 or speak with your primary health care provider.
More information about the virus and how to protect yourself is available on the City’s Hepatitis A webpage.
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