SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Hepatitis A immunization clinics are being held tonight (Friday, July 19, 2019) and this weekend (July 20-21) by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for those who may have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus at the State & Main Restaurant, 467 Cundles Road East in Barrie during these dates and times:

• Friday, June 21, 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 27, 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Friday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 29, 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 4, 5:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
• Friday, July 5, 6:30 p.m. – midnight
• Wednesday, July 10, 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 11, 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The Hepatitis A virus is easily transmitted from person to person, and can be spread when people who have the virus contaminate food, drinks, surfaces, and everyday objects. Customers and staff who were at the restaurant during the above times may have been exposed by a food handler with the virus. The restaurant is working closely with SMDHU and this occurrence is not a direct reflection on the restaurant, as this disease can happen at any time in any setting. Staff and customers who visited the restaurant during the periods listed above should be immunized at the clinics being held at the health unit at 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie, on:

• Friday, July 19, 4 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday, July 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Those who did not eat at the restaurant during the periods identified above do not need to be immunized.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Symptoms of Hepatitis A usually develop about four weeks after exposure to the virus, although this period can range from 15 to 50 days. Symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, a general feeling of being unwell, followed by a few days of jaundice. People who are immunocompromised, are older, or have a pre-existing chronic liver disease are more at risk of serious illness.

For information about Hepatitis A or if you are experiencing symptoms and have dined at this restaurant on any of the dates noted above, please call Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 ext. 5829 or follow up with your primary healthcare provider. The phone lines are extended on Friday, July 19 to 8:00 p.m. and are open Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information is also available at www.smdhu.org.

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