Waterloo Public Health sees drastic rise in Hepatitis A cases

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Hepatitis A cases in the Waterloo region in 2018.

Since May, 19 cases have been reported to Waterloo Public Health (WPH) whereas the region sees about six cases annually.

The effects of Hepatitis A include an infection of the liver that can cause fever, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin), dark urine and pale stools.

WPH warns that drug users (be it intravenous, inhalation or oral consumption drugs) are at an increased factor of contracting the disease. This includes those that consume marijuana.

If you are a drug user, WPH is advising that you should be immunized and aware of what the symptoms of the disease are.

Immunization is free for drug users, men who have sex with men and those with chronic liver conditions.

Public Health is holding a series of immunization clinics at its offices in Waterloo (99 Regina St. S. Waterloo) and Cambridge (150 Main St. Cambridge).

There is no appointment necessary nor do those seeking immunization need to provide a health card.

The drop-in clinics will be held at the following times:

Tuesday, July 17 – 1 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, July 18 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 19 – 1 to 6 p.m.

Friday, July 20 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.