In April, Manitoba declared a hepatitis A outbreak.
As of May 6, there have been 658 cases of hepatitis A virus associated with this outbreak, mainly spread through person-to-person contact.
There have been 142 hospitalizations, five intensive care unit admissions and four deaths.
Initially affecting several communities in northern Manitoba, the outbreak is now affecting people in several communities across the province, including the Ebb and Flow First Nation.
As a result, those aged six months and older can now receive a free single hepatitis A vaccine.
It's also free for those travelling to or working on the Ebb and Flow First Nation and for people who have household visitors from the community.
In addition, individuals with other risk factors for hepatitis A can access the hepatitis A vaccine based on existing eligibility criteria.
This includes people experiencing homelessness; people who use drugs; individuals with certain high-risk medical conditions; and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
Eligible individuals can access the hepatitis A vaccine through primary care providers, local public health offices, nursing stations and health centres.
Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Some people with hepatitis A, especially young children, have no symptoms.
Others can develop a range of symptoms from mild to severe.
If symptoms do develop, the onset is abrupt and can include:
- fever;
- loss of appetite;
- nausea and vomiting;
- stomach cramps;
- abdominal pain;
- diarrhea;
- dark urine;
- clay-coloured stools; and
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Those with mild symptoms often recover within one to two weeks. The illness can be more severe in some people, especially those who have a weakened immune system or chronic liver disease and people over the age of 60.
Individuals with a severe illness can have symptoms for several months.
Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated water, food and close contact with someone who has the infection, even if they do not have symptoms.
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after using the toilet, handling diapers and before eating or preparing food can help prevent infection if you are exposed to the virus. Soap and water work the best for killing the hepatitis A virus.
If soap and water are not available for handwashing, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
For more information on vaccine eligibility in Manitoba, head here.
