THUNDER BAY – HEALTH – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is investigating a case of hepatitis A in an employee of Bight Restaurant and Bar, located at 2210 Sleeping Giant Parkway, Unit 100, Marina Park.
Anyone who visited this restaurant between March 23 and April 12 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.
While the risk of infection is very low, people who consumed beverages/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.
Patrons who have previously completed the two-dose hepatitis A vaccine series or the three-dose Twinrix® series would be protected. Staff of the restaurant is being offered immunization. Although the vaccine is most effective if given within 14 days of exposure, the Health Unit will be offering a free vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 18 from 12:00 to 3:00pm at 999 Balmoral Street (corner of Balmoral and William Street) for those that visited the establishment between March 23 and April 12. An additional clinic date will be established next week.
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. Bight Restaurant and Bar 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 spread from person to person or 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. For more information, please visit TBDHU.com/id.
People who are immune-compromised or 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.
