Home / Health / Hepatitis A Outbreak Prompts State of Emergency in Northern Manitoba First Nations
Hepatitis A Outbreak Prompts State of Emergency in Northern Manitoba First Nations
15 Nov
Summary
- State of emergency declared in Garden Hill community
- Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 4 First Nations communities
- Vaccination drive expanded for all residents over 6 months
- Strict hygiene measures urged to contain the outbreak
As of November 15, 2025, a state of emergency has been declared in the Garden Hill First Nation community in northern Manitoba due to a hepatitis A outbreak. The Anisinew Okimawin council, which represents four affected communities in the Island Lake region, including Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, and Red Sucker Lake, has warned all residents to take immediate protective action.
The province of Manitoba is working with Indigenous Services Canada and the affected communities to supply vaccines and expand eligibility. All community members over six months of age are now eligible for the two-dose hepatitis A vaccine, particularly those with high-risk medical conditions or lifestyles that put them at risk of infection.
The council has urged residents to practice strict hygiene, drink only treated, bottled or boiled water, use clean running water to wash produce, and cook food thoroughly. They have emphasized that community action is crucial to rapidly contain the outbreak and protect the health of the people.
