Manitoba Hepatitis A Outbreak Sparks Doctor's Alarm

A concerning hepatitis A outbreak has emerged in Manitoba, with nearly 400 cases identified, prompting alarm among the medical community. Dr. Glen Drobot, an internal medicine specialist, expressed surprise at the outbreak's scale, having encountered only a few cases in over two decades prior to seeing four more in recent months. He voiced concern that the public has not been adequately informed about the importance of vaccination, and worries about the virus spreading across different communities within the province.

The Manitoba government stated it is monitoring the outbreak and working with partners on prevention and response measures, including contact tracing and immunization. As of February 17th, 388 cases were linked to the outbreak. The infectious liver disease, spread through contaminated food or water, can cause symptoms like fever, nausea, and jaundice. One death was reported in the Island Lake region last year, leading to a state of emergency and expanded vaccination efforts.

Cases are reportedly increasing among homeless individuals in Winnipeg, with free vaccinations being offered at shelters. Organizations like Siloam Mission have enhanced cleaning and immunization efforts. Vulnerable populations, including those with diabetes or chronic liver disease, may face higher risks of complications from hepatitis A infection.