Ottawa Public Health has issued a warning to residents about a potential risk of hepatitis A exposure linked to a local Tim Hortons in the southern section of the city.
The Dec. 17 advisory from Ottawa Public Health (OPH) follows the confirmation of a hepatitis A case involving an employee at the Tim Hortons located at 372 Hunt Club Rd. Hepatitis A is an infectious disease of the liver that can be highly contagious.
Although the likelihood of exposure is characterized as “very low,” customers who consumed food or beverages from this establishment between Nov. 15 and Dec. 8 should watch for symptoms of hepatitis A over a 50-day period, said OPH associate medical officer of health Dr. Monir Taha.
“OPH is not recommending hepatitis A post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for persons who consumed food or drink during the dates above,” Taha said in the advisory. “Persons deemed by OPH as close contacts at higher risk have been individually identified and offered PEP.”
PEP consists of a single dose of either the hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin. This treatment can prevent infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV) if given within two weeks of exposure.
The incubation period for hepatitis A spans from 15 to 50 days, with an average duration of 28 days, Taha said. Individuals become infectious approximately two weeks prior to the appearance of symptoms and are deemed non-infectious seven days following the onset of jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Not everyone who is infected with hepatitis A will exhibit symptoms, according to Health Canada. Adults are more likely to exhibit symptoms than children. Those who do experience symptoms may have a fever, dark urine, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps or abdominal pain, and jaundice.
Symptoms typically last less than two months but those with severe cases can be ill for as long as nine months, the federal health agency said. Mild cases last only one or two weeks.
“There is no treatment for hepatitis A. Most people with hepatitis A will feel sick for a few months before they begin to feel better,” Health Canada said. “Some people will need to be hospitalized.”
Those who become ill are advised to get lots of rest, drink lots of fluids, and have proper nutrition, Health Canada said.
Individuals with the disease should check with their health care provider prior to using any supplements, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs because they can potentially cause damage to the liver, the health agency said. Alcohol should also be avoided.
Upon recovery, most people will have lifelong immunity against the illness, Health Canada said.
Anyone who has or suspects they have hepatitis A is asked to immediately call Ottawa Public Health.
