The health unit is investigating a case of hepatitis A in an employee at a northside fast food restaurant.
The Thunder Bay and District Health Unit is focusing its investigation on the Wendy’s restaurant on 875 Red River Road. Officials with the health unit say anyone who consumed food from this restaurant between Oct. 11 and Oct. 26 may have been exposed to the virus.
In a news release issued Friday, the Health Unit explains that the risk of infection is very low.
Despite the low risk, people who ate at the Red River Road Wendy’s are asked to watch out for signs of illness and contact their health-care provider if they experience:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Yellowing skin or eyes
The health unit believes this is an isolated case, and has no other reports of hepatitis A infection.
Wendy's released a statement Friday afternoon explaining "last night, the restaurant was temporarily closed and completely sanitized following the guidance of Thunder Bay Public Health. There is no current health risk to our customers or employees at this location or any other Wendy's location."
The Health Unit continues to closely monitor the situation.
Wendy’s Restaurant Red River Road is in compliance with public health requirements and has been fully cooperative with the investigation.
Hepatitis A is not spread by coughing or sneezing. Hand hygiene including proper hand washing is extremely important in preventing the spread of the virus. Most people who are infected recover completely with no permanent liver damage. In rare cases, hepatitis A can be serious or life threatening to older adults or people with chronic liver disease.
