Fraser Tavern employee positive for Hep A

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit was notified December 31 of a laboratory confirmed case of Hepatitis A in a person who works at the Fraser Tavern located at 680 Fraser St. in North Bay. This staff person worked at the Tavern while infectious on November 26, 27, December 3, 4, 10 and 11, 2008. Anyone who had drinks, food or garnishes from the Fraser Tavern on these dates and has symptoms of Hepatitis A, should see their health care provider. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale coloured stool, nausea, abdominal pain and sometimes jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). It can take 15 to 50 days after exposure to show symptoms.

“As a precautionary measure, we suggest bar patrons see their health care provider if they experience any of these symptoms,” said Sheila Marchant-Short, Manager, Communicable Disease Control. “This incident serves as an important reminder to always wash hands thoroughly and regularly to prevent the spread of disease. While the risk of infection is low, people who ate at the tavern on any of these dates should watch for signs of illness.”

Hepatitis A is a virus that affects your liver. The virus is spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with Hepatitis A. There is no medication to treat the virus, but symptoms usually last less than two months and once you have had Hepatitis A, you cannot get it again. The Health Unit recommends a Hepatitis A vaccine for anyone travelling internationally and not already infected with Hepatitis A.

For more information, visit the Health Unit’s web site at www.healthunit.biz or call (705) 474-1400, or 1-800-563-2808 on Thursday, January 1, 2009 from 10 am to 2 pm and Friday, January 2 from 8:30 to 4:30.

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