Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a public alert on July 1 advising that patrons of a Macdonald’s in Nisku at certain times from June 20 and June 24 have been exposed to hepatitis A.
AHS confirmed hepatitis A in a food handler working at the McDonald’s located at 301 20 St. in Nisku.
AHS says the risk is low to those who consumed food or drink from the restaurant, specifically from 7 to 11 a.m. from June 20 to 23 and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 24, but cautions that hepatitis A is a serious infection.
“As a precaution, anyone who consumed food or drink at this location is advised to monitor themselves and their family for symptoms until August 13, 2023, and take advantage of getting immunized as a way to prevent illness,” said Dr. Christopher Sikora, Medical Officer of Health, AHS – Edmonton Zone, in a press release.
According to AHS, there is no ongoing risk of infection associated with the above location. It has been inspected and approved as safe to operate by AHS Environmental Public Health inspectors.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. Individuals primarily contract hepatitis A through direct contact with an infected person; however, individuals can also contract the illness indirectly by ingestion of contaminated food or water.
If an infected individual does not properly wash his/her hands after using the washroom, the virus can be transmitted through food and beverages prepared by the infected individual.
Illness can occur within 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus, but usually does so 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 of hepatitis A may include: tiredness; poor appetite; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain and fever; followed by dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, and yellowing of eyes and skin several days later.
Some people, especially young children, may get hepatitis A infection without noticing any symptoms; however, they are still infectious to others.
Individuals who develop such symptoms between July 1, 2023 and August 13, 2023 are advised to immediately contact Health Link at 1-866-301-2668.
Individuals who have had hepatitis A infection in the past or who have previously received an appropriate series of hepatitis A vaccine are not at risk of infection.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, but it can be prevented through immunization.
