A recent spike in Hepatitis A cases within the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is causing the health unit to take action.
To help combat a recent rise in cases in South River, Sundridge and Burk’s Falls, the Health Unit is hosting a number of vaccine clinics to teach residents about the importance of preventing infection.
“Vaccination is the best way to prevent the infection,” Temporary Manager of the Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Program, Elizabeth Mete said. “As a result, the Health Unit will be holding two vaccine clinics, where individuals can receive one dose of the vaccine for free.
The Health Unit notes that Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver – and is usually spread by eating or drinking something contaminated with the feces of someone with the virus.
A partner with Hepatitis A can spread the virus through sexual activities or through sharing drug use equipment.
Symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured stool, itchiness, tiredness and generally not feeling well.
For adults, this is usually followed by yellowing of the eyes and skin.
The health unit adds that the illness varies from mild – lasting one to two weeks – to severe, lasting several months.
At this time, there is no identified link between the cases of Hepatitis A in the area.
The health unit encourages you to protect yourself through good hand hygiene after using the bathroom, changing diapers, handling animals and before preparing or eating food.
The first of two clinics is set to take place in South River on Wednesday, August 26, from 3-6 p.m., at the South River Arena.
Meanwhile, the second takes place in Burk’s Falls at the Health Unit Burk’s Falls Office on Monday, August 31, from 3-6 p.m.
You can contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5252, to determine if you are at risk or to find out more information about these clinics.
