A food handler at the RattleSnake Point Golf Club Bistro has tested positive for hepatitis A.
Halton Region Public Health says patrons who visited the bistro between April 20th and May 2nd may have been exposed. The golf club is working closely with Halton Region Public Health, and is contacting affected patrons.
Hepatitis A is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. Symptoms usually occur within 28 to 30 days after the virus enters the body, but they can begin any time between 15 to 50 days after exposure.
“While the risk of transmission is low, we are advising that anyone who may have been exposed monitor for signs and symptoms for 50 days from the date of their exposure,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. “Hepatitis A can result in a liver infection and can be a greater health risk for older adults and those with liver disease.”
Hepatitis A vaccine given within 14 days of exposure may prevent the disease. Individuals who have received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine or have had hepatitis A infection do not require the vaccine.
Halton Region Public Health strongly recommends that:
- anyone who visited the restaurant on April 29, April 30 and May 2 and have not received the vaccine or have immunity should get the hepatitis A vaccine at free immunization clinics (no appointment necessary) being offered at 550 Ontario Street South in Milton on:
- Friday, May 12th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, May 15th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- all patrons who ate or drank at the restaurant at the dates and times below should monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A and contact their health care provider if they experience symptoms:
- April 20th – April 23rd
- April 25th – April 27th
- April 29th – April 30th
- May 2nd
Common symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- fever
- general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness
- abdominal discomfort
- loss of appetite
- tiredness
- nausea and vomiting
- dark urine
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Hepatitis A is spread from person-to-person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person that has the disease. Once infected, a person can pass the virus to others for two weeks or more before they even know they are sick. For those who have had close contact with a person with hepatitis A, a vaccine is available that can help prevent you from getting sick if it is given within 14 days of contact with the ill person.
To help prevent hepatitis A infection:
- wash hands thoroughly using soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers and before handling or eating food;
- avoid eating raw fish or shellfish;
- avoid sharing food and common items such as water bottles and cutlery;
- drink properly treated or bottled water if travelling outside of Canada; and
- consider getting the hepatitis A immunization if travelling where the disease is common or your personal and or professional life puts you at risk for the disease.
If you have questions about the disease or the vaccine, please speak with your health care provider or contact Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.
To learn more about hepatitis A, visit Halton’s Preventing Communicable Diseases webpage on halton.ca.
The RattleSnake Point Golf Club Bistro is located within RattleSnake Point Golf Club at 5407 Regional Road 25 in Milton.
