Alberta Health Services (AHS) has confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food handler working at a McDonald’s in Nisku (301 20th St.).

Patrons who consumed food or drink from this location between June 20-23, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and June 24, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. may have been exposed to hepatitis A.

“While we believe the risk to the public is low, hepatitis A is a serious infection,” says Dr. Christopher Sikora, Medical Officer of Health, AHS – Edmonton Zone. “As a precaution, anyone who consumed food or drink at this location is advised to monitor themselves and their family for symptoms until August 13, 2023, and take advantage of getting immunized as a way to prevent illness.”

There is no ongoing risk of infection associated with the above location. It has been inspected and approved as safe to operate by AHS Environmental Public Health inspectors.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. Individuals primarily contract hepatitis A through direct contact with an infected person; however, individuals can also contract the illness indirectly by ingestion of contaminated food or water. If an infected individual does not properly wash his/her hands after using the washroom, the virus can be transmitted through food and beverages prepared by the infected individual.

Illness can occur within 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus, but usually does so within 28 to 30 days. Individuals can be infectious one to two weeks before symptoms occur until at least one week after the onset of illness.

Symptoms of hepatitis A may include: tiredness; poor appetite; nausea and vomiting; abdominal pain and fever; followed by dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stools, and yellowing of eyes and skin several days later. Some people, especially young children, may get hepatitis A infection without noticing any symptoms; however, they are still infectious to others.

Individuals who develop such symptoms between July 1, 2023 and August 13, 2023 are advised to immediately contact Health Link at 1-866-301-2668.

Individuals who have had hepatitis A infection in the past or who have previously received an appropriate series of hepatitis A vaccine are not at risk of infection.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, but it can be prevented through immunization. For more information visit Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine.

Only those who visited McDonald’s on the dates and times listed above are considered potentially exposed. Those who meet the criteria can call Health Link at 1-866-301-2668 to book an immunization appointment during the following days & times. In this instance, a prophylaxis vaccine will protect those at risk of infection against this exposure.

· July 2: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

· July 3: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

· July 4: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

· July 5: 12:15 p.m. – 8 p.m.

· July 6: 12:15 p.m. – 8 p.m.

· July 7: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

· July 8: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to call Health Link, 24/7 at 811.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.

Information provided by Alberta Health Services