Hepatitis A warning issued for Lethbridge diners

Health officials in Lethbridge are warning patrons of two city restaurants that they may have been exposed to Hepatitis A.

An employee who handled food at Pasta Fresco and at the Black Tomato Lounge has tested positive for the virus. Both businesses are located side-by-side in Heritage Heights Plaza.

Alberta Health Services is advising people who consumed food or drink atthe two restaurants on Oct. 21, 22, 29, 31 and Nov. 6 to watch for symptoms.

Symptoms may include fatigue, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting as well as abdominal pain and fever. Dark-coloured urine, light-coloured stoolsand yellowing of eyes and skin several days later are also signs of infection.

While we believe the risk to the public is low, hepatitis A can be a serious infection, said south zone medical officer of healthDr. Vivien Suttorpin a statement.

She advises people who fall ill to see a health-care professional.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus common in many parts of the developing world.

Illness can occur within 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus. Individuals can be infectious one to two weeks before symptoms occur until at least one week after the onset of illness.

AHS says it has completed inspections of Pasta Fresco and the Black Tomato Lounge. It says both are in compliance with public health codes and standards.

For more information on hepatitis A, residents can contact Health Link Alberta at1-866-408-LINK (5465).