This case is not a risk to the general public, says Dr. Michael Zakhary, Edmonton Zone Medical Officer of Health
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Alberta Health Services (AHS) has confirmed a case of Hepatitis A in a food handler at two restaurants at the Edmonton International Airport.
In a Tuesday news release, AHS says the restaurants where the food handler works are the Belgian Beer Café and Boston Pizza.
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Albertans who have purchased food or drinks from either of the restaurants may have been exposed. The dates of exposure at Belgian Beer Café are Oct. 5, from 2-9 p.m., Oct. 7, 8 or 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Oct.12 from 1-8 p.m. Meanwhile, dates of potential exposure at Boston Pizza are Oct.1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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AHS asks people who believe they might have been exposed to call Health Link at 1-888-851-1919 immediately for an assessment and possible vaccination — a vaccine, given after exposure, can prevent development of the illness — and monitor for symptoms for 50 days after potential exposure.
This case is not a risk to the general public, says Dr. Michael Zakhary, Edmonton Zone medical officer of health.
“There is no ongoing risk of infection associated with either restaurant and this case is not a risk to the greater general public. Public health inspectors have visited and spoken with the operators of the restaurants to review food safety practices and the locations are safe to operate,” Zakhary said.
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Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver. The virus is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person.
Zakhary encourages proper hand washing to prevent the spread of illnesses, noting there is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A.
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“There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A, but it can be prevented through immunization. We also always encourage proper hand hygiene practices to help prevent the spread of communicable illness,” Zakhary said.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A include tiredness, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, and yellowing of eyes and skin.
“Some people, especially young children, may get Hepatitis A infection without noticing any symptoms. However, they are still infectious to others,” AHS said.
For more information on the Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine, visit the AHS website.
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