Heads Up If You Have Eaten at the TA Travel Centre Recently in Woodstock

Tuesday, 27 August 2019 at 14:26

You will need to contact Southwestern Public Health if you have eaten at the TA Travel Centre in Woodstock recently after a food service worker at the restaurant tested positive for Hepatitis A.

WOODSTOCK - Southwestern Public Health is warning anyone who has eaten at the TA Travel between August 6th and August 22nd that they may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.

Manager of Infectious Diseases at Southwestern Public Health Elaine Reddick says the infected person, likely didn't know they had hepatitis, while they were working.

“Unfortunately, an individual may have hepatitis A and not know it. That is what occurred in this situation. The food service worker handled food in the restaurant, so this communication is relevant to anyone who ordered off the menu in the restaurant or ordered take out. It does not apply to those who purchased prepared foods at the convenience store or ate from the buffet.”

Anyone within Oxford County, Elgin County or the City of St. Thomas who ate at the restaurant during this time should call Southwestern Public Health’s dedicated hepatitis A line (1-800-922-0096 x 5) weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

A public health nurse will be available to answer your questions, assess your situation and determine if you need a vaccination.

Immunization clinics specific to the potential hepatitis A exposure have been organized by Southwestern Public Health at their 410 Buller Street Woodstock location for:

- Wednesday, August 28 from 1 pm to 7 pm
- Thursday, August 29 from 1 pm to 7 pm
- Friday August 30 from 9 am to noon

Those living outside of Oxford County, Elgin County, or the City of St. Thomas should contact their regular health care provider or their local public health unit.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear within 14 to 28 day of exposure but may take up to 50 days to appear. You may be infected and not have symptoms. If you have symptoms, they can include fever, stomach pain, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, jaundice (skin and whites of eyes turn yellow), clay or ash-coloured bowel movements.

Hepatitis A is usually spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the virus. It may also be spread through close contact with an infectious person.