Local health officials are investigating a lab confirmed case of hepatitis A in an individual working at Tim Hortons in north London.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit issued a statement Wednesday after the tests results came in the the day prior. The health unit said the individual who tested positive lives in London and works at the Tim Hortons located on the corner of Adelaide Street North and Sunningdale Road East.
Investigators have spoken with the individual and determined they contracted their illness while outside of Canada.
“Public health was notified of this case late Tuesday evening. We are speaking with close contacts directly but advising anyone who visited the Tim Hortons at 1825 Adelaide Street North within the last month to watch for signs and symptoms,” said Public Health Resident Physician Dr. Joanne Kearon.
Kearon explained the risk to the community and close contacts is low as the worker practiced proper hand hygiene and wore gloves while preparing food. However, if symptoms develop, individuals should contact their healthcare provider.
Hepatitis A is spread by the fecal-oral route. This typically happens by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Spread can also occur between people living in the same house or through sexual contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, body aches, stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), and exceptionally dark or tea coloured urine.
More information about the illness and how to prevent it from spreading can be found on the MLHU’s website.
