Hepatitis A Exposure at Lethbridge McDonalds

Alberta Health Services has confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food handler working at the Scenic Drive McDonald’s located at 217 3^rd Avenue South, in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Patrons who consumed food or beverage from the Scenic Drive McDonald’s from August 20^th to 22^nd inclusive may have been exposed to hepatitis A.  AHS will be offering hepatitis A vaccine to all patrons who consumed food or beverage from this location on those dates.  

 Hepatitis A vaccination clinics will be held this weekend in Calgary and Lethbridge  for anyone who was in Lethbridge and consumed food or beverage at the McDonald’s Scenic Drive location on Saturday, August 21 or Sunday, August 22.

CALGARY

South Calgary Health Centre

September 4: 9am – 3 pm

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September 5: 12 pm – 3 pm

LETHBRIDGE

West Pavilion of the Lethbridge Exhibition Park

September 3 1 – 7 pm

September 4 9 am – 3 pm

 September 5  9 am – 3 pm

Because vaccine is only effective if administered within 14 days of exposure to an infected individual, AHS will be offering vaccine on these above noted days only.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus common in many parts of the developing world. Spread through the fecal-oral route, individuals primarily contract hepatitis A through direct contact with an infected person; however individuals can also contract the illness indirectly by ingestion of contaminated food or water.  If an infected individual does not properly wash his/her hands after using the washroom, the virus can be transmitted through food and beverage prepared by the infected individual.

Illness can occur within 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus, but usually within 28 to 30 days. Individuals can be infectious one to two weeks before symptoms occur until at least one week after the onset of illness.  Symptoms of hepatitis A may include: tiredness; poor appetite; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain and fever; followed by dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, and yellowing of eyes and skin several days later. Some people, especially young children, may get hepatitis A infection without noticing any symptoms, however they are still infectious to others.