HEPATITIS A IN LLOYDMINSTER RESTAURANT WORKER

Released on November 30, 2006

A restaurant worker in Lloydminster has tested positive for Hepatitis A infection.

"The risk of transmission of this virus from the worker to patrons of the restaurant is small," Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "However to minimize the risk, a preventive treatment against Hepatitis A will be offered at local public health offices to persons who ate at the Lloydminster restaurant, KC Steakhouse, from Monday, November 20 to Tuesday, November 28."

In Saskatchewan, this will consist of a single dose of Hepatitis A vaccine unless there are contra-indications to that vaccine, in which case immune globulin will be given.

People who have been vaccinated with two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine for travel or other reasons, or who had Hepatitis A illness in the past, are immune to this infection and do not need more vaccine.

Hepatitis A vaccine will give protection if received within 14 days after contact with the virus. If more than 14 days have elapsed since contact with the virus, there is no preventative vaccine or medication. People are advised to watch for symptoms of Hepatitis A infection and to contact their doctor if they become ill.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection which affects the liver and causes fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal discomfort followed by yellow jaundice a few days later. It is usually a mild illness lasting one to two weeks but may be more severe and last up to 6 months in some people. Generally, adults become more ill than children. Most people recover completely without complications. This type of hepatitis does not cause long term infection.

Hepatitis A virus is shed in the feces of an infected person and is spread from person to person by direct contact with an infected person or indirectly by eating or drinking food or liquids contaminated with the virus. Occasionally it may be acquired through sexual contact. Infected people are most infectious for one to two weeks before they become ill and remain infectious for about one week after they develop jaundice. Handwashing, particularly after using the bathroom and before preparing food, minimizes the risk of spread.

For more information about hepatitis infection or vaccination call HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002 or visit www.healthlineonline.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: 306-787-4083 Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca	Dr. Brenda Cholin Prairie North Health Region North Battleford Phone: 306-446-6400
Dr. Ross Findlater Health Regina Phone: 306-787-3235