Nova Scotia Health warns of possible hepatitis A exposure in Bridgewater

Nova Scotia Health has issued a warning after a case of hepatitis A was confirmed in the Bridgewater area.

In a news release, the health authority advises people who ate or drank at Sushi Bay Japanese Cuisine on LaHave Street in Bridgewater between March 8 and March 28 to monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A.

Anyone who experiences symptoms over the next several weeks should contact their primary care provider or call their local Public Health office. Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate care.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort.
• Within a few days to a week, darkening of the urine and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Nova Scotia Health said the overall risk to the public is low, but there may have been individuals exposed to the virus.

The health authority has been directly in touch with people who are at higher risk of getting the infection and will be offering them a vaccine that will help protect them from getting ill.

There is no ongoing transmission of the virus at Sushi Bay, the authority said. 

"The management of the location has been very cooperative and supportive, helping us to reach contacts and distribute information," the release said.

While illness from hepatitis A usually lasts a week or two, Nova Scotia Health said some cases can last several months. Most people recover without treatment, but in some cases hepatitis A can cause serious liver damage.

It is not transmitted through blood and doesn't produce long-term infections. When someone is infected, they may have no symptoms.

Nova Scotia Health said the most effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis A include:

• Washing hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water, especially before preparing food or eating.
• Getting vaccinated if you are at a greater likelihood of exposure.