The Northwestern Health Unit and Government of Ontario are encouraging people at heightened risk of hepatitis A to get vaccinated against the virus amidst an ongoing Manitoba outbreak.
Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver. It spreads mainly through contaminated food and water, or close direct contact with people who are infected. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine or jaundice.
According to the Government of Manitoba’s website, Manitoba Health has been monitoring increased cases of hepatitis A that are being transmitted from person to person in Manitoba and have been confirmed by laboratory analysis to be the same strain.
The largest number of cases have occurred and continue to occur in several Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba. Cases have also been identified in other communities throughout the province, in particular, Winnipeg, affecting people experiencing homelessness and those with connections to affected communities mainly.
Vaccines are recommended and free for a single dose for Ontarians who work, travel to, or receive visitors from any Indigenous community in Manitoba; are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and are travelling to or spending time in Manitoba; or work, volunteer, or provide services in shelters, encampments, or similar settings in Winnipeg.
The vaccine is also free for anyone with chronic liver disease, who uses drugs through injection or is a man who engages in same-sex sexual intercourse.
The following communities have been directly impacted in Manitoba:
- Island Lake area (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, and Red Sucker Lake First Nations)
- Peguis First Nation, War Lake First Nation (also known as Ilford)
- Bloodvein River First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation
- Cross Lake First Nation (Pimicikamak Cree Nation)
- Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake Cree First Nation)
Hepatitis A vaccines are not recommended for infants under 6 months old.
For more information, visit the Government of Canada website, following the tab links to “Health” then “Diseases and conditions” and search “Hepatitis A.”
Alternatively, anyone can contact the Northwestern Health Unit to learn more by calling 1-800-830-5978 or emailing talkpublichealth@nwhu.on.ca.
