September 2, 2026
Hepatitis A Public Notification #2
Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of a possible recent exposure to hepatitis A at a location in Winnipeg where recent exposure may have occurred:
- East Gate Inn Beer Vendor and Bar (Kyoto Kat Club), 685 Westminster Ave., from July 30 to Aug. 20.
People who were at this location during the specified dates are asked to monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A. Symptoms may appear between two and seven weeks after exposure. Anyone with symptoms should contact their health-care provider and advise them of the potential exposure.
In response to Manitoba’s ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A, immunization is being provided to people who have contact with cases or potential common exposures. Free vaccine eligibility has been expanded during the outbreak and criteria is listed at:
www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/hepatitisa.html#update.
Anyone who was in contact with someone infected with hepatitis A within the past 14 days may be eligible for a free vaccine and should contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free in Manitoba.
Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Some people with hepatitis A, especially young children, have no symptoms. Others can develop a range of symptoms from mild to severe. If symptoms do develop, the onset is abrupt and can include:
- abdominal pain;
- clay-coloured stools;
- dark urine;
- diarrhea;
- fever;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes);
- loss of appetite;
- nausea and vomiting; and
- stomach cramps.
Those with mild symptoms often recover within one to two weeks. Severe illness can last for several months in some people, including those with a weakened immune system or chronic liver disease, and people over the age of 60.
Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated water, food and close contact with an infected person. People can spread the disease two weeks before their symptoms develop and generally up to one week after jaundice or other symptoms develop. People without symptoms can also spread the disease while they are infected, especially to those who live in the same household, spend significant time together or share food or utensils.
To prevent infection, practise proper handwashing with soap and water after using the toilet or handling diapers, and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
For more information on hepatitis A, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/hepatitisa.html.
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