HUNTSVILLE, ON-The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has confirmed the second case of Hepatitis A in a food handler who worked at Family Place Restaurant and Pizza.
Located at 1 King William St. in Huntsville, the employee worked specific dates and times between March 5th and the 15th.
The health unit recommends that if you dinned or had taken out from the restaurant between March 12th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., March 13th between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and March 15th any time between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to go get the Hepatitis A vaccine.
Associate Medical Officer of Health with the SMDHU Dr. Colin Lee said that as a precaution, exposed people should monitor for signs and symptoms for 50 days. “The disease can result in a liver infection and can be a greater risk for older adults and those with liver disease. The Hepatitis A vaccine is an effective protection against the disease.”
As the vaccine is no longer effective more than 14 days after exposure, anyone who dined or had taken out from the restaurant between March 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., March 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., March 8th from 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., March 10th from 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and March 11th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. should monitor for symptoms and contact their health provider if any start to develop.
Symptoms of the virus can develop four weeks after exposure and can include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and a general feeling of being unwell. Those who are immunocompromised, are older or have pre-existing chronic liver disease are at more risk of a serious illness.
Immunizations will be offered by appointment only and they can be scheduled at 1-877-721-7520. You can also visit the health unit site here for more information.