Strathmore diners warned of Hepatitis A exposure

Alberta Health Services has confirmed a case of Hepatitis A in a food handler working at a restaurant in Strathmore, just east of Calgary.

People who ate at the Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar between June 9 and June 19, may have been exposed to the virus.

AHS will be offering a free vaccine to anyone who ate at the restaurant on those dates. The Original Joe’s in Strathmore is located at 100 Ranch Market.

Dr. Judy MacDonald, Medical Officer of Health, says Alberta Health Services is offering Hepatitis A vaccine to these patrons at clinics in Strathmore, Chestermere and Calgary.

They are as follows:

Northgate Clinic, Calgary —  June 23, 24 — 1p.m. to 9p.m. both days  — Drop-In Only

Chestermere Community Health Centre  June 23, 24 — 1p.m. to 9p.m. both days — Drop-In Only

Strathmore Public Health Office  June 23, 24 – 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days — Appt. Only.

The World Health Organization says the virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infectious person.

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 include tiredness, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and fever – followed by dark-coloured urine light coloured stool and yellowing of eyes and skin several days later.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. However, it can be prevented with the use of hepatitis A vaccine. It is also important to wash hands well with soap and water before preparing or consuming foods.

Here’s a link to details about Hepatitis A: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/hp/if-hp-tr-en-hep-a-b.pdf

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