REGINA – Health officials in Saskatchewan are alerting the public of a confirmed hepatitis A case in Alberta. A food handler who worked at an Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar in Strathmore, Alta. has tested positive for the acute infectious liver disease.
Officials in Saskatchewan said they want to inform the public here about the case due to the high volume of travel between the provinces.
People who consumed food from the Original Joe’s at #8, 100 Ranch Market in Strathmore between June 4 and 19 may have been exposed to hepatitis A. Anyone who consumed only drinks is not at risk.
READ MORE: Up to 2,200 Strathmore Original Joe’s patrons at risk of hepatitis A
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice, dark-coloured urine and light-coloured stools. Symptoms may take two to seven weeks to appear after exposure, however people become infectious to others two weeks prior to the onset of symptoms.
Hepatitis A infection can be prevented if a hepatitis A vaccine is given within 14 days of exposure. People 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.
Health officials are advising anyone who ate at the restaurant during the time period to contact their public health office in their health region.
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