Public health officials in Nova Scotia, Canada are investigating a confirmed case of hepatitis A in the town of Bridgewater. The health agency said the overall risk to the public is low, but have issued a warning for people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Those who ate or drank at Sushi Bay Japanese Cuisine at 450 LaHave Street, Unit 170, in Bridgewater between March 8 and March 28, 2025, are advised to monitor themselves for hepatitis A symptoms for the next five weeks. If symptoms develop, individuals should contact their primary care provider or local Public Health office.
Symptoms of hepatitis A often begin with sudden fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort. Within a few days to a week, those affected may experience darkening of urine and yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice. Severe symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Health officials have already reached out directly to people identified as high-risk and are offering them vaccination, which can help prevent illness if administered promptly after exposure.
Officials said there is currently no ongoing transmission of the virus at the restaurant. The restaurant management has been cooperating fully with health authorities, assisting with contact tracing and information distribution.
Hepatitis A typically causes illness lasting one to two weeks, though some cases can persist for several months. While most people recover without treatment, the infection can cause serious liver damage in certain cases. Unlike hepatitis B and C, this virus does not spread through blood and does not cause chronic infections. Some infected individuals may remain asymptomatic.
To prevent hepatitis A infection, health officials recommend thorough and frequent handwashing with soap and warm water, especially before preparing food or eating. Vaccination is advised for individuals at higher risk of exposure.
This advisory comes as part of Nova Scotia Public Health’s standard protocol when dealing with cases of communicable diseases that pose potential public exposure risks. Officials will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates if additional measures are needed.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading hepatitis A lawyer said, “A hepatitis A vaccination is still effective up to two weeks after initial exposure. Unfortunately, that time has passed. I advise any customers of the restaurant during the exposure period to monitor for symptoms and see their doctor if they begin to feel ill.”
