A case of hepatitis A has been detected at a Winnipeg school. In a letter to parents and guardians, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) confirmed a recently diagnosed case at Shaughnessy Park School. Health officials recommend watching for symptoms, including stomach discomfort, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness and jaundice. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact a health-care provider. As symptoms can appear 15-50 days after exposure, Shaughnessy Park students and staff should monitor for symptoms until Nov. 3. Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. The infection is spread through the fecal-to-mouth route from unwashed hands, poor bathroom habits and sharing food. Most people with hepatitis A fully recover; however, death can occur in very are cases. The WRHA adds that vaccination is one of the ways to manage the spread of hepatitis A, with planning underway for an immunization clinic at Shaughnessy Park School.
