Hepatitis A outbreak reported in Manitoba communities

A hepatitis A outbreak in northern Manitoba has resulted in one death and a state of emergency being placed in a community.

One person has died amid a hepatitis A outbreak impacting several northern Manitoba communities, according to local leadership.

Grand Chief Alex MacDougall of Anisininew Okimawin (Island Lake Grand Council) confirmed to CTV News on Thursday that the outbreak has been underway for nearly a week, with 30 cases reported in the four Anisininew nations. The majority are in Garden Hill First Nation.

One death has been attributed to the virus, he said.

A state of emergency was declared Thursday in Garden Hill, but the Chief notes the virus is also actively spreading in the other three nations - St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, and Red Sucker Lake.

Province sending vaccines, expanding eligibility

A spokesperson for the province said they are aware of the outbreak, noting Manitoba health officials are working with Indigenous Services Canada to respond.

“As part of its outreach, the province is supplying vaccines and has expanded eligibility for area residents,” a provincial spokesperson said. “All community members over 6 months of age are eligible for vaccination, as well as anyone travelling or working in these communities.”

Additionally, Grand Chief MacDougall said a “vaccination blitz” is planned for the region.

He added residents are being urged to practise thorough handwashing, use functioning toilets, clean homes frequently and to drink only boiled, bottled or treated water to help prevent the spread of the virus.

According to Health Canada, hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It most commonly spreads when someone eats food or drinks water that contains the virus, which often become contaminated when they come into contact with feces from infected people.

There is no treatment for hepatitis A, Health Canada said. Most people will feel sick for a few months before recovering, though some will need to be hospitalized.