Given the volume of travel between Alberta and Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan public health officials are informing the public about a confirmed case of hepatitis A in a food handler who worked at an Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar in Strathmore, Alberta.
Patrons who consumed food from the Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar at #8, 100 Ranch Market in Strathmore from June 4 to June 19 (inclusive), may have been exposed to hepatitis A. The restaurant serves adults only.
Please contact the public health office in your health region if you ate food from this establishment in Strathmore, Alberta during this time period. Hepatitis A infection can be prevented when hepatitis A vaccine is given within 14 days of exposure. Patrons who only consumed beverages are not at risk of exposure.
Although the risk of contracting hepatitis A through this exposure is low, hepatitis A is a serious infection. Individuals who have had hepatitis A infection in the past or who have previously received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine are not at risk of infection.
Symptoms of hepatitis A may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, dark-coloured urine and light-coloured stools. After exposure, symptoms may take two to seven weeks to appear. However, people become infectious to others two weeks prior to onset of symptoms.
People who wish to check their vaccination records should contact the public health office in the health region in which they were vaccinated.
More information is at www.saskatchewan.ca/live/health-and-healthy-living/manage-your-health-needs/support-programs-and-services/immunization-programs-and-services.
For general questions about hepatitis A symptoms or vaccination, call HealthLine 811.
