Alberta Health Services is warning the public about a case of hepatitis A that has been confirmed in a patient who worked at a lounge at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Officials are advising that anyone who dined at the Powderkeg Lounge and consumed hot food and drinks from November 6 to November 8, 2015, may have been exposed to hepatitis A through an infected worker at the establishment.
As a result, medical authorities are offering vaccines for the disease to all persons who may have come into contact with the worker, who was infectious during that time.
Anyone who was at the restaurant and consumed cold drinks are not at risk of infection and should not be concerned.
Vaccination clinics will be held in the following areas on the dates posted:
Brentwood Village Mall, Calgary, 3630 Brentwood Road N.W.
- November 20 – 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
- November 21 – 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Banff Public Health Office, Banff, 303 Lynx Street
- November 20 – 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
- November 21 – 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Anyone who attends these clinics is asked to bring their health card, photo ID, and immunization records, if possible.
Individuals who have already received two doses of a hepatitis A vaccine in the past or who have previously contracted the disease do not need to attend these clinics.
Officials say that while they are taking this situation very seriously, they insist the risk to the public is low.
“A vaccine administered within 14 days of exposure can greatly reduce the risk for patrons who consumed food or hot beverages at this location during this timeframe,” said Dr. Judy MacDonald, Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services in a release.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver, contracted through contact with an infected person or indirectly by consuming infected food or water.
It can be more easily transmitted when infected individuals fail to properly wash their hands after using the washroom.
Symptoms include tiredness, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and fever. Those are usually followed by dark coloured urine, light coloured stools, and a yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Experts say that some people, especially young children, can contract the disease without exhibiting any symptoms but they are infectious to others.
The best treatment for the disease is prevention through immunization and the risk of transmission is reduced through thorough washing of hands with soap and water before preparing or consuming foods.
For more information, Albertan can call Health Link at 811.
