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Health officials are warning the public of a possible recent hepatitis A exposure at a Winnipeg beer vendor and bar.
The potential exposure happened at the East Gate Inn Beer Vendor and Bar (Kyoto Kat Club) at 685 Westminster Ave., at the corner of Sherbrook Street, from July 30 to Aug. 20, the province said in a Wednesday news release.
People who were there during those dates are being asked to watch for symptoms of the acute liver infection, which can range from mild to severe and may appear between two and seven weeks after exposure, the news release said.
While some people, especially young children, have no symptoms, others can abruptly develop symptoms including abdominal pain, clay-coloured stools, dark urine, diarrhea, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and stomach cramps, the province said.
People with mild hepatitis A symptoms often recover in a week or two, but severe illness can last months in some people — including people over age 60 and those with weakened immune symptoms or chronic liver disease, the release said.
Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their health-care provider and tell them about the potential exposure, the province said.
Immunization against hepatitis A is being provided in Manitoba to people who have had contact with cases or potential exposures, in response to the province’s ongoing outbreak of the illness. A number of other groups are also eligible for the vaccination, as listed on the province’s website.
Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated water and food or close contact with an infected person. People can spread the disease two weeks before their symptoms develop and generally up to a week after they start having symptoms.
People without symptoms can also spread the illness while infected, especially to people living in the same household, or people they spend significant time or share food or utensils with, the province said.
To prevent infection, the province urges people to practise proper handwashing with soap and water after using the toilet or handling diapers, and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not available, the province recommended using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.