Released on July 15, 2014
Saskatchewan public health officials are issuing another call for people who may be at risk of Hepatitis A after a possible exposure in southwestern Saskatchewan.The Five Hills Health Region continues to follow up on a case of Hepatitis A in a person who was a food handler at the Mainstay Inn Motel and Restaurant near Riverhurst from June 1 to 22, 2014.
Public health has been in touch with over 600 people who may have consumed food or beverages at that location and therefore potentially been exposed to Hepatitis A. However, they have not been able to reach some people from across the province. There may also be others who are still not aware of their possible exposure.
Members of the public who left a message at 1-888-425-1111 but have not yet been reached are urged to call again.
Those who were at the Mainstay Inn from June 1 to 22 and have not yet called in are asked to phone and leave complete contact details, including full name, contact phone numbers (home and mobile), address and health region of residence, as well as dates when they were at the Mainstay Inn.
“The risk of contracting Hepatitis A infection is low in this specific situation,” Medical Health Officer for Five Hills Health Region Dr. Mark Vooght said. “However, we would like to discuss important Hepatitis A information with those who we were unable to call back, or who were there over the same time period but have not yet called in.”
The important signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A infection include:
- yellowing of the eyes (jaundice);
- dark urine; lighter-coloured stools; and
- fatigue, fever, nausea and loss of appetite.
For general information about Hepatitis A symptoms and treatment, people can call HealthLine at 811.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kyle Matthies
Five Hills Health Region
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8721
Email: kyle.matthies@fhhr.ca
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca