SUDBURY -- Public Health Sudbury & Districts is issuing a community notice following a confirmed case of hepatitis A reported on Dec. 15.
The individual is an employee of the deli department at the Real Canadian Superstore located at 1485 Lasalle Boulevard in Sudbury.
Public health officials say anyone who consumed deli meat or cheese served by a clerk at the deli counter or from prepared deli trays within the last 14 days, that were purchased from the store between Nov. 27, and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16, could be at risk of hepatitis A infection.
They are strongly recommending the vaccination for hepatitis A if you think you could be at risk.
Catherine Thomas, a senior director of external communication with parent company Loblaws, says in a statement:
"We’re working closely with the local Public Health to ensure the safety of our customers and colleagues. We’ve discarded all potentially impacted products and completed a full clean of our deli, equipment, and shared spaces in the store. Customers with impacted product in their house should discard it or return it to the store. Anyone with further questions or concerns should contact Public Health.Those who ate the foods more than two weeks ago are advised to contact Public Health, monitor their health for signs and symptoms, and follow up with their health care provider if symptoms develop."
CTV News has learned that management at the Real Canadian Superstore is recommending vaccination for fellow employees due to shared bathrooms and common spaces.
Thomas says that the employee with hepatitis A is receiving medical attention, is expected to fully recover, and will return to work once they are cleared by their doctor.
Common symptoms of hepatitis A include: fever, stomach pain or discomfort, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, loss of appetite, clay or ash-coloured bowel movements, and jaundice.
Any affected food that was purchased during this time period should not be eaten and should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase.
Symptoms of hepatitis A can begin 15 to 50 days after becoming infected. It is also possible to be infected and not have any symptoms. For people with symptoms, the severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause a liver infection. Symptoms can last a few days to several months. The virus is rarely fatal and most people develop lifetime immunity following infection. Hepatitis A can be serious; especially, for older people and those with chronic liver disease. For these individuals, there is a greater risk of complications.
This virus is transmitted from person-to-person by the fecal-oral route. It is found in the feces and blood of a person infected with the virus, and one common route of exposure can be food contaminated by infected food handlers. This can occur by directly handling already cooked or ready-to-eat foods with unclean bare hands or through food contact with dirty gloves. It is also spread through close personal contact with an infected person, such as through having sex, caring for someone who is ill, or using drugs with others.
"We are in the process of securing a large supply of hepatitis A vaccine and will announce clinic dates and times for free vaccine as soon as possible," said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Sudbury & Districts' medical officer of health. "The clinics will be for anyone who consumed the affected foods within 14 days prior to vaccination. I expect we will receive vaccine and run clinics later this week and times will be shared as soon as possible."
Free drop-in vaccination clinics are being offered through Public Health Sudbury & Districts, formerly known as the health unit, at 1300 Paris Street. No appointment is needed and there is free parking on site.
Clinic times are:
- Wednesday, Dec. 18 to Friday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Additional clinics will be offered.
If you are concerned that you may have been infected with hepatitis A or if you have questions about getting the vaccine, contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200), or speak with your primary care provider as soon as possible.
Anyone who ate the food items during the time period should:
- verify their vaccination records, and if not vaccinated, contact Public Health
- monitor themselves for signs and symptoms of hepatitis A infection
- practise thorough handwashing
- contact their health care provider if concerned
Hepatitis A can be avoided by:
- Not handling or preparing food for anyone if you are ill
- Washing your hands often and thoroughly using soap and water. This is especially important after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food
- If wearing gloves, change them often. Gloves cannot be washed and reused
- Avoiding sharing common items such as cups and finger foods (for example, popcorn)
- Always washing fresh fruits and vegetables such as strawberries and lettuce.
