Toronto Public Health has confirmed a case of Hepatitis A in a staff member at Earls Kitchen + Bar prompting health authorities to recommend immediate vaccination for customers who dined at the restaurant during specific exposure periods.
The infected employee worked during four separate shifts when transmission could have occurred. Potential exposure dates include Friday, July 11 from 4 p.m. until closing, Saturday, July 12 from 4:30 p.m. until closing, Tuesday, July 15 from 4:30 p.m. until closing, and Wednesday, July 16 from 7 p.m. until closing.
Health officials say that patrons who consumed food or beverages during these specified time periods should monitor themselves for symptoms and maintain rigorous hand hygiene practices using soap and warm water. Authorities have determined there is no continuing public health risk beyond these exposure windows.
Toronto Public Health is conducting free Hepatitis A vaccination clinics at Metro Hall, located at 55 John Street, to serve potentially exposed individuals. The clinics will operate Friday, July 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 26 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Attendees should use the Wellington Street entrance, with underground paid parking available.
The Hepatitis A vaccine demonstrates maximum effectiveness when administered within 14 days of exposure, making prompt vaccination crucial for those who may have been infected.
Hepatitis A spreads through the fecal-oral transmission route, with the virus present in infected individuals’ stool. Food service workers who handle food while infected represent a common exposure pathway. The virus does not transmit through respiratory droplets such as coughing or sneezing.
The infection targets the liver and can cause illness lasting from several days to multiple months. Most infected individuals achieve complete recovery and develop lifelong immunity following infection. However, the disease can present serious health risks, particularly for elderly patients and those with existing chronic liver conditions who face increased hospitalization risks.
Unlike Hepatitis B and C variants, Hepatitis A does not progress to chronic hepatitis. Death from Hepatitis A infection occurs rarely.
Symptoms typically emerge between 15 and 50 days after initial infection, though some infected individuals remain asymptomatic. When symptoms do appear, they can range from mild to severe manifestations including fever, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, dark-colored urine, abdominal pain, and jaundice characterized by yellowing of the skin.
Prevention strategies include receiving the Hepatitis A vaccine, avoiding food preparation when ill, practicing thorough handwashing with soap and warm water especially after bathroom use and diaper changes, washing fresh produce before consumption, and exercising caution with water sources and ice when traveling outside North America.
