disease

The Northwestern Health Unit continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A.

Advisories have been in place since an outbreak was declared in Manitoba.

That province has seen over 900 cases in the past two years.

The Health Unit says it continues to monitor for cases locally.00

Two were identified in the Sioux Lookout area this past summer.

The Health Unit recommends getting vaccinated, especially if travel plans include certain areas of Manitoba where Hepatitis A cases have been most severe.

They include;

Island Lake area (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, and Red Sucker Lake First Nations)
Peguis First Nation, War Lake First Nation (also known as Ilford)
Bloodvein River First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation
Cross Lake First Nation (Pimicikamak Cree Nation)
Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake Cree First Nation)

Ontario recommends the shot to anyone 6 months of age and older who may live, work, travel to, or receive visitors from any Indigenous community in Manitoba; is experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and is travelling to or spending time in Manitoba; or works, volunteers, or provides services in shelters, encampments, or similar settings in Winnipeg.

Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver and often spreads through contaminated food and water, or close direct contact with people who are infected.

Symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine and yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).