Home / Health / Winnipeg School Confirms Hepatitis A Exposure
Winnipeg School Confirms Hepatitis A Exposure
7 Nov
Summary
- Hepatitis A case identified at Ecole Henri-Bergeron school.
- Parents urged to monitor children for symptoms until Dec. 24.
- Risk of exposure to students and staff is considered low.
A case of acute hepatitis A has been confirmed at Ecole Henri-Bergeron in Winnipeg. Health officials are alerting parents and guardians to monitor students for symptoms of the liver infection. The recommended monitoring period extends until December 24, as symptoms can manifest between 15 and 50 days after exposure.
Despite the confirmed case, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has indicated that the risk of exposure to students and staff is low. Hepatitis A symptoms can include stomach discomfort, fever, fatigue, dark urine, and jaundice. While symptoms can last from a week to several months, most individuals recover and gain immunity.
The virus is shed in stool and can spread through poor hand hygiene after using the restroom and before preparing food. Infected individuals can be contagious before showing symptoms and for up to a week after falling ill. Prevention methods include thorough hand washing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
