Released on June 30, 2014
Public health officials are advising residents that a small risk of Hepatitis A exists for people who visited the Mainstay Motel and Restaurant near Riverhurst between June 1 and 22, 2014.
Those who ate or drank at the location between June 18 and 22 are the highest priority contacts, as vaccine may be recommended for them.
People who visited the location during that time period are encouraged to call 1-888-425-1111 (1-306-694-0296) to speak to a public health representative if they have questions about potential exposure. Those leaving a message should provide their name, birthdate, community of residence, contact phone numbers with area code and the dates they were present at the Mainstay Motel and Restaurant.
Saskatchewan’s Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Denise Werker, says the risk of contracting Hepatitis A through this exposure is low, though not zero. However, it has become clear that people from other jurisdictions are among those who may have been exposed when eating or drinking at the location.
“Hepatitis A is not a common disease in Saskatchewan, so we do take cases very seriously and do detailed investigation and follow up,” Dr. Werker said. “Public health officials at the local, provincial and national levels are working closely to ensure that those at risk are notified and that they understand what action they should take.”
An estimated 1,100 people may have consumed food or beverages at the Riverhurst location in June, and therefore been exposed to Hepatitis A. After exposure, symptoms may take two to seven weeks to appear. However, people become infectious to others two weeks prior to onset of symptoms.
General information about Hepatitis A symptoms and vaccination is available at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/search?c=health&q=Hepatitis+A&x=17&y=5
For specific questions about Hepatitis A or vaccination, call HealthLine 811.
People who wish to check their vaccination records should contact the public health office in the health region in which they were vaccinated. More information is at: http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/immunization-records.
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NOTE TO MEDIA:
Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Denise Werker will be available for a media scrum at 2:00 p.m., Main Lobby, TC Douglas Building, 2180 - 23rd Avenue, Regina.
For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4083