Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care – Public Health has shared information regarding an outbreak of Hepatitis A.

Dear Health Care Provider,

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care (MHSLTC) has been monitoring an outbreak of hepatitis A in the Island Lake area of Northern Manitoba, which includes the communities of Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, and Red Sucker Lake.

As part of the hepatitis A outbreak response, in addition to hepatitis A vaccine that is routinely provided to contacts of hepatitis A cases, all community members over 6 months of age in the Island Lake area (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, and Red Sucker Lake) are eligible for 2 doses of hepatitis A vaccine. Anyone travelling to or working in these communities is also eligible.

What can you do?

• We ask that you remain vigilant and aware of the potential for local transmission of hepatitis A in Manitoba in anyone who presents with symptoms. Early identification and clinical assessment, along with testing and reporting to public health is essential. Hepatitis A vaccine is routinely provided to all eligible contacts of cases.
• Refer to the hepatitis A communicable disease protocol for further information
• Review immunization records and offer hepatitis A vaccines to eligible individuals. Community immunization efforts are ongoing.

Vaccines can be requested by completing the Manitoba Health Vaccines and Biologics Order Form and faxing or emailing the completed form to the Provincial Vaccine Warehouse.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND OTHER RELEVANT INDIVIDUALS.

Submitted by: Loreley Fehr, Director, Health Services – Public Health-Healthy Living