Possible Hepatitis A exposure at Earls Kitchen + Bar downtown Toronto location, TPH says

People who dined at an Earls Kitchen + Bar location in downtown Toronto earlier this month may have been exposed to Hepatitis A, Toronto Public Health (TPH) said.. 

The possible exposure happened at the location on 601 King St. W., TPH said in a news release Thursday. The health agency confirmed a case of Hepatitis A in an employee at the restaurant. 

Exposures may have happened on the following dates and times: 

• July 11: 4 p.m. to close.
• July 12: 4:30 p.m. to close. 
• July 15: 4:30 p.m. to close.
• July 16: 7 p.m. to close.

People who consumed food or beverages during these time windows should watch for symptoms, TPH said. They should also wash their hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water. 

Symptoms can begin 15 to 50 days after becoming infected. They typically last a few days to several months. 

Severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe, and include the following: fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, stomach pains, and jaundice — which is the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. 

Anyone experiencing symptoms of Hepatitis A is asked to contact TPH at 416-338-7600 or speak with their primary health-care provider.

Diners don't need to stop eating at the restaurant location, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist. 

"Once the issue is dealt with and that person is no longer working in the area, the risk evaporates," he said.

CBC Toronto has reached out to Earls Kitchen + Bar for comment. 

TPH hosting free vaccine clinic for those possibly exposed

Hepatitis A is transmitted from person to person by the fecal-oral route, the news release said. It is found in the stool of a person infected with the virus. 

It is commonly spread when people with the virus handle food, TPH said. The virus is not spread by coughing or sneezing. 

"Most people who are infected recover completely and develop lifetime immunity following infection," the news release said. 

It does not develop into chronic hepatitis, and death from an infection is rare. 

But Hepatitis A can cause a liver infection, TPH said. Older people and those with chronic liver disease are at a greater risk of more serious illness, including hospitalization. 

TPH is hosting free Hepatitis A vaccine clinics at Metro Hall at 55 John St. on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for anyone who may have been exposed. People attending the clinic are asked to enter Metro Hall through the Wellington Street entrance. 

The vaccine is most effective when received within 14 days of exposure, TPH said. 

Hepatitis A can also be avoided by not handling or preparing food for anyone if you are ill, and washing your hands often and thoroughly using soap and warm water. 

"This is especially important after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food," the news release said. 

People are also advised to always wash fresh fruits and vegetables, and take caution when drinking water and consuming ice when travelling, particularly outside of North America. 

The vaccine is not a routine childhood immunization in Canada because Hepatitis A is not a common infection here, Bogoch said. He said the virus is not often seen in countries that have developed sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. 

While the infection is typically not that severe for children, he said adults can get very sick.