Manitoba continues to see new cases of Hepatitis A associated with the ongoing provincial outbreak.    

Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus.  Hepatitis A can be spread through contact with an infected person’s feces (stool) or by drinking or eating contaminated food or water.  Hepatitis A can also pass from person to person through some forms of sexual contact or from sharing needles with someone who may be infected. 

Some people infected with Hepatitis A, especially young children, have no symptoms.  Others can develop symptoms that may include:

• Fever
• loss of appetite
• tiredness
• nausea & vomiting
• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• dark urine and/or clay-coloured stools
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Hepatitis A can be prevented by getting immunized with the Hepatitis A vaccine. 

You can also reduce your risk by:

• washing your hands after using the toilet, handling diapers, and before eating or preparing food
• using safe food practices
• following safe sex practices
• not sharing needles or syringes

The following individuals who are 6 months of age and older are eligible for one dose of Hepatitis A vaccine:

• Community members in the Island Lake area (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake)
• Community members in Peguis First Nation
• Anyone travelling to or working in these communities
• Those who have household visitors from these communities

All individuals who are 6 months of age and older who have high risk medical conditions, are experiencing homelessness, or have life-style risks for infection, including people engaging in illicit drug use and men having sex with men are eligible for two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine.

For more information or to find out how to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine contact your local Public Health Office or visit https://northernhealthregion.com/programs-and-services/public-health/