Toronto Public Health (TPH) is advising the public of a possible Hepatitis A exposure at a downtown restaurant after an employee tested positive for the virus.
The health unit said those who dined at Earls Kitchen + Bar at 601 King St. W., at Portland Street, on the following dates and times may have been exposed:
- Friday, July 11 from 4 p.m. to close
- Saturday, July 12 from 4:30 p.m. to close
- Tuesday, July 15 from 4:30 p.m. to close
- Wednesday, July 16 from 7 p.m. to close
Diners who may have been exposed to the virus are being urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
According to TPH, the vaccine is most effective when received within 14 days of exposure.
Toronto Public Health added customers should watch for signs and symptoms, and wash their hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water.
“There is no ongoing risk to the public,” TPH said in a release.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A, which can cause a liver infection, and include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dark urine, stomach pains, and jaundice.
“Symptoms can last a few days to several months. Most people who are infected recover completely and develop lifetime immunity following infection,” public health said, noting that death from Hepatitis A infection is rare.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch said Hepatitis A is transmitted from person to person either through direct contact, through the fecal or oral route or through contaminated food or water.
“It’s got a longish incubation period, anywhere from two weeks, even longer than a month. Kids tend to not get all that sick with this infection, but adults can get profoundly ill,” Bogoch said.
“File (this) under an infection you don’t want to get and (something) that’s totally preventable.”
Bogoch urged anyone who may have been exposed to get the Hepatitis A vaccine, which he described as “really incredible.”
“It lasts probably decades, and likely it’s a lifelong protection against Hepatitis A.”
He added, “People tend to get better from this, but it is a rough ride, and it’s a very tough infection.”
“The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority and we are working closely with Toronto Public Health. We are actively encouraging anyone who dined with us during those dates to contact their healthcare provider or Telehealth Ontario at 811,” Earls Restaurant said in a statement.
The restaurant added that it has set up a dedicated guest information line at 1-877-424-4200 for any questions or concerns.
TPH is hosting free Hepatitis A vaccine clinics at Metro Hall on July 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on July 26 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
