London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit is investigating a hepatitis A case following laboratory confirmation on April 11th. The individual lives in London and works at the Tim Hortons located at 1825 Adelaide Street North. Health Unit investigators have followed up with the individual and concluded their illness was acquired while traveling outside of Canada.

“Public health was notified of this case late Tuesday evening. We are speaking with close contacts directly but advising anyone who visited the Tim Hortons at 1825 Adelaide Street North within the last month to watch for signs and symptoms,” says Dr. Joanne Kearon, Public Health Resident Physician with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “In this case, the risk is very low to the community because the individual practiced proper hand hygiene and wore gloves while preparing food. However, if symptoms develop, individuals are directed to contact their healthcare provider.”

Hepatitis A is spread by the fecal-oral route. This typically happens by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Spread can also occur between people living in the same house or through sexual contact with an infected person.

Symptoms:
• Fever
• Body aches
• Stomach pain
• Nausea, fatigue
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Dark (tea coloured) urine

If you develop symptoms:
• Stay home
• Contact your healthcare provider

For additional information about hepatitis A, including signs and symptoms, how it spreads, and how it can be prevented, visit www.healthunit.com/diseases-hepatitis.

Media Contact:
Morgan Lobzun, Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-617-0571

Spokesperson:
Dr. Joanne Kearon, Public Health Resident Physician, Middlesex-London Health Unit