The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has issued a public notice regarding a potential Hepatitis A exposure at Fratelli’s Pasta Grill, located at 13340 Lanoue Street in Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada. Customers who dined at the restaurant between August 1 and August 6, 2025, may have been exposed to the virus and are advised to verify their vaccination status. Unvaccinated patrons could be eligible for preventive treatment if sought promptly.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), primarily spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water or via close contact with an infected person. Symptoms typically appear 15 to 50 days after exposure and may include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). In rare cases, particularly among immunocompromised individuals or those with pre-existing liver conditions, infection can lead to severe complications such as liver failure.
The health unit said that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), consisting of either the Hepatitis A vaccine or immunoglobulin injections, is effective if administered within two weeks of exposure. The vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 1 to 40, while immunoglobulin is preferred for those outside this age range. Residents who have previously been vaccinated or have confirmed prior infection are considered protected and require no further action.
WECHU has organized a walk-in vaccination clinic and urged potentially exposed patrons to monitor symptoms for up to 50 days. The notice aligns with public health guidelines underscoring the importance of hygiene, including thorough handwashing and sanitizing food preparation surfaces, to mitigate transmission risks. Similar outbreaks, such as a recent incident at The Red Inn in Provincetown, Massachusetts, highlight the persistent public health challenges posed by Hepatitis A in food service settings.
Canada has faced multiple Hepatitis A exposure events over the last year, including:
- Hepatitis A exposure at a Toronto restaurant in July
- Confirmed Hepatitis A exposure at a Ontario Tim Hortons in June
- At least one case of Hepatitis A at a Nova Scotia sushi restaurant in April
For assistance, those affected are encouraged to contact WECHU or consult healthcare providers to determine eligibility for preventive measures.
