Downtown restaurant in Toronto may have led to Hepatitis A exposure, health authorities issue alert
Breaking News: Potential Hepatitis A Exposure at Earls Kitchen + Bar in Downtown Toronto
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has reported a confirmed case of Hepatitis A in a food handler at Earls Kitchen + Bar, located at 601 King St. W., Portland Street. The potential exposure occurred during specific dates and times:
- July 11 from 4 p.m. to close
- July 12 from 4:30 p.m. to close
- July 15 from 4:30 p.m. to close
- July 16 from 7 p.m. to close
Anyone who dined or drank at these times is being urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally within 14 days of exposure, as the vaccine is most effective in this window.
Hepatitis A is a liver infection that can cause symptoms such as fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dark urine, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Symptoms may last from a few days to several months. The illness is not spread through coughing or sneezing, but through microscopic fecal contamination, often related to food handling.
Toronto Public Health has arranged free Hepatitis A vaccination clinics at Metro Hall (55 John Street) to help those potentially exposed. The clinics will be held on:
- July 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- July 26 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
It is important to note that while most infected individuals recover fully with lifelong immunity, the illness can be serious, especially for older adults or those with liver conditions. Deaths due to Hepatitis A are rare.
Toronto Public Health has emphasized that there is no ongoing risk to the general public beyond these exposures. They advise regular hand washing with soap and warm water as a precaution to prevent fecal-oral transmission.
For more information, visit the Toronto Public Health website or contact your local health care provider. Stay safe and healthy, Toronto!
[1] Toronto Public Health website: https://www.toronto.ca/health/hepatitis/hepatitis-a/
[2] Toronto Public Health press release: https://www.toronto.ca/news/potential-hepatitis-a-exposure-at-earls-kitchen-bar-downtown-toronto/
[3] Metro Hall vaccination clinic information: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/health-and-wellbeing/diseases-and-conditions/hepatitis-a/hepatitis-a-vaccine-clinics/
- Maintaining good mental health during this stressful time is crucial as individuals take necessary precautions to avoid chronic diseases, especially Hepatitis A, which requires a focus on skin care in terms of regular handwashing with soap and warm water.
- Beyond physical health, fitness and exercise, combined with proper nutrition, play a pivotal role in strengthening the immune system, thereby offering better protection against medical conditions like Hepatitis A.
- In light of the ongoing Hepatitis A outbreak, it is essential to promptly consult with your healthcare provider or visit the Toronto Public Health website for genuine guidance on the situation, while also being vigilant about maintaining overall health and wellness.
- Due to the potential severity of Hepatitis A, especially among older adults or those with existing liver conditions, those who have dined or drunk at Earls Kitchen + Bar during the specified times should consider availing themselves of the free Hepatitis A vaccination clinics arranged by Toronto Public Health.
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