The Ottawa Public Health (OPH) department in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada has issued a health alert regarding potential hepatitis A exposure at a Tim Hortons restaurant, located in the city at 372 Hunt Club Road, after confirming an infection in an employee. The exposure period spans from November 15 to December 8, 2024.
While health officials said the transmission risk remains low due to proper hygiene and food safety protocols at the establishment, they recommend customers who consumed food or beverages during this period monitor their health for 50 days post-exposure.
- Key symptoms requiring medical attention include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- General malaise
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Pale stools
- Dark urine
Hepatitis A is a liver infection transmitted through the fecal-oral route when contaminated material enters the mouth. This typically occurs through improper hand hygiene after restroom use or through contaminated food and water. The virus is more prevalent in regions with inadequate sanitation, with Canadian cases often linked to imported produce and returning travelers.
Symptoms typically manifest between 15 and 50 days after exposure, though some individuals may remain asymptomatic. Adults typically show more pronounced symptoms than children. The illness generally persists for several weeks, occasionally extending beyond two months.
Medical professionals note that while no specific treatment exists for hepatitis A, most patients recover naturally. In rare instances, the infection may cause severe liver complications. Recovery from hepatitis A provides lifelong immunity.
Unlike hepatitis B and C variants, this strain does not spread through blood contact or develop into chronic infections. Prevention strategies focus on vaccination, particularly before international travel, and maintaining proper hand hygiene, especially after restroom use and before food preparation or consumption.
Ontario residents seeking health guidance can contact the 811 service to speak with registered nurses. This free, confidential service operates in English and French, with additional language support available through translation services.
Food Poisoning News has previously reported on a similar outbreak of hepatitis A at a Tim Horton’s location in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading hepatitis A lawyer said, “Fortunately, this restaurant seems to practice proper food safety protocols and the risk of exposure to hepatitis A was low. However, I strongly encourage any consumer who dined at the restaurant during the specified dates to monitor for symptoms.”
