The Manitoba government has expanded free hepatitis A vaccine eligibility to include Peguis First Nation as it responds to an ongoing outbreak in the province.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care said the vaccine is now being offered to Peguis First Nation community members, visitors and close contacts aged six months and older. The expanded eligibility, already in place for Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake, now includes Peguis First Nation community members, anyone travelling to or working in Peguis First Nation and people who have household visitors from the community.
The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection, including when it is administered after exposure to a confirmed case. Eligible individuals can receive the vaccine through primary care providers, local public health offices, nursing stations and health centres.
As of Jan. 18, there have been 308 hepatitis A cases associated with the outbreak across Manitoba, primarily spread through person-to-person contact. Health officials say the overall risk of exposure to the general public remains low.
Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Some people, particularly young children, may have no symptoms. Others can experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe, with sudden onset that may include fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, clay-coloured stools and jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
People with mild illness often recover within one to two weeks. The infection can be more serious for individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic liver disease or those over age 60, and severe cases can result in symptoms lasting several months.
The virus can spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person, even if they have no symptoms. Health officials recommend frequent handwashing with soap and water after using the toilet, handling diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available.
Anyone who develops symptoms of hepatitis A is advised to contact a health-care provider, particularly if they may have been exposed to someone who is ill.
For more information, residents can contact their health-care provider, local public health office or nursing station, or call Health Links–Info Santé at 1-204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free). Information on hepatitis A and vaccine eligibility is available on the Manitoba government website.
