Thunder Bay and District Health Unit news release:
April 20, 2015 - The Health Unit continues to investigate a case of hepatitis A in an employee of Bight Restaurant and Bar, located at 2210 Sleeping Giant Parkway, Unit 100, Marina Park. This case is travel-related (acquired while out-of-country) and there is a low risk of infection to others. However, as a precaution, the Health Unit is offering another free hepatitis A vaccination clinic to patrons who visited Bight Restaurant and Bar between March 23 and April 12. These patrons may have been exposed to the virus.
The clinic is being held on Tuesday, April 21 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Health Unit - 999 Balmoral Street (the corner of Balmoral and William Streets). Please use the William Street entrance for this clinic.
While the risk of infection is low, people who consumed beverages/food from this restaurant during this period should watch for signs of illness and contact their health care provider if they experience any of the following: fever, loss of appetite, abdominal (stomach) pain, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Symptoms can develop anywhere from 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus. Severity and length of symptoms can vary.
Patrons who have previously completed the two-dose hepatitis A vaccine series or the three-dose Twinrix® series would be protected from the infection.
This appears to be an isolated case. The Health Unit has not had any other reports of hepatitis A infections in our District at this time.
The Health Unit continues to closely monitor the situation. Bight Restaurant and Bar is in compliance with public health requirements and has been fully cooperative with the investigation.
Hepatitis A is an acute disease of the liver caused by a virus and can spread from person to person or through contaminated food or water. It is found in the stool (bowel movement) of persons infected with the virus. 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. For more information, please visit TBDHU.com/id.
People who are immune-compromised or have liver disease are at higher risk for complications if they become infected with hepatitis A. Anyone who is concerned or has questions can contact their health care provider or the Health Unit at 625-5900.
