Alert issued over hep A in Okotoks Safeway

Alberta Health Services says it has confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food handler working at a Safeway store in Okotoks.

Anyone who consumed doughnuts purchased from the bulk bins in the store at 610 Big Rock Lane between Dec. 1 and 21 may have been exposed to hepatitis A, AHS said in a news release.

“While we believe the risk to the public is low, hepatitis A is a serious infection,” said David Strong, medical officer of health for the Alberta Health Services Calgary zone.

“As a precaution, anyone who consumed unpackaged doughnuts produced at this location between Dec. 1 and 21 is advised to monitor themselves and their family for symptoms for 50 days since those products were consumed.”

AHS said there is no ongoing risk of infection associated with the location.

Hepatitis A immunization clinics will be held at Okotoks Health and Wellness, at Centre 11 Cimarron Common, on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. AHS said hepatitis A immunization provided within two weeks of exposure can often prevent illness.

Immunizations will be offered to people who ate doughnuts purchased from the bulk bins at the Safeway between Dec. 19 and 21, AHS said.

Anyone who may have been exposed is asked to contact HealthLink for assessment of exposure date and risk before attending the public immunization clinic.