Employee at Church Street pub tests positive for Hepatitis A

Toronto Public Health has confirmed a case of Hepatitis A at a restaurant on Church Street.

Anyone who consumed food or drinks at O’Grady’s at 518 Church St. between June 7 and 23, during Pride Month, may have been exposed to the virus.

Health officials say an employee who handles food at the restaurant has tested positive.

Although the risk is low, Toronto Public Health says people should watch for signs and symptoms, including fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite. They should also consider contacting their doctor. Symptoms can start 15 to 50 days after getting infected. Click here for a fact sheet.

The city is holding free Hepatitis A vaccine clinics for anyone who visited the restaurant. The dates, locations and times are below:

• Friday, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at East York Civic Centre (850 Coxwell Ave.)
• Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Metro Hall (55 John St., rooms 308 and 309)

 

Health officials say the vaccine is most effective when received within 14 days of exposure.

“Hepatitis A immunization is a very effective way to prevent the disease,” said Dr. Lisa Berger, associate medical officer of health at Toronto Public Health.

“Other good preventive actions that people can take is to make sure to use good hand hygiene before or after using the washroom and after diapering children; to avoid ingesting food or water that might be contaminated with sewage; not to swim in contaminated waters; to consider Hepatitis A immunization before they travel to countries that may have water systems that aren’t as well developed as ours; and to avoid sexual practices that may lead to fecal-oral spread.”

Toronto Public Health has informed health-care providers in Toronto about the case, as well as health-care partners in Ontario and public health units across the country.