Public health officials are advising recent customers of a pub in Toronto’s Village of potential hepatitis A exposure after an employee there tested positive for the virus.
In a statement released Thursday, Toronto Public Health says customers who consumed food or drinks at O’Grady’s on Church and Maitland streets between June 7 and June 23 may be at risk of contracting the virus.
“While the risk is low, individuals who consumed food or beverages from this restaurant during these dates should watch for signs and symptoms, practice thorough hand washing and consider contacting their health care provider as they may be eligible for vaccination,” the statement reads.
Health officials say the virus is rarely fatal but liver infection is a possible outcome.
Typically, most people who contract the virus recover without issue.
Symptoms of the virus can start between 15 and 20 days after becoming infected, but it’s also possible to not exhibit any symptoms at all. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine
- Stomach pains
- Jaundice
The hepatitis A vaccine is considered the most effective when taken within 14 days of exposure.
Toronto Public Health is holding free hepatitis A vaccination clinics at East York Civic Centre on June 30 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and at Metro Hall on July 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
