THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit are investigating a case of hepatitis A in an employee of Wendy’s restaurant, located at 875 Red River Road in the city.
The TBDHU states, in a media release, “Anyone who consumed any food from this restaurant between October 11 and 26 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus. The risk of getting the hepatitis A infection is very low.
“While the risk of infection is very low, people who consumed food from this restaurant during this period should watch for signs of illness and contact their health care provider if they experience any of the following: fever, loss of appetite, abdominal (stomach) pain, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Symptoms can develop anywhere from 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus. Severity and length of symptoms can vary”.
This appears to be an isolated case. The Health Unit has not had any other reports of hepatitis A infections in our District at this time. The Health Unit continues to closely monitor the situation.
Wendy’s Restaurant Red River Road is in compliance with public health requirements and has been fully cooperative with the investigation.
Hepatitis A is an acute disease of the liver caused by a virus and can be spread from person to person through contaminated food or water. It is found in the stool (bowel movement) of persons infected with the virus. Hepatitis A is not spread by coughing or sneezing. Hand hygiene including proper hand washing is extremely important in preventing the spread of the virus. Most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. In rare cases, hepatitis A can be serious or life threatening to older adults or people with chronic liver disease.
People who are immuno-compromised or who have liver disease are at higher risk for complications if they become infected with hepatitis A. Anyone who is concerned or has questions can contact their health care provider or the Health Unit at 625-5900.
