Alberta Health Services (AHS) is warning anyone who consumed food at Thang Long Vietnamese Cusine, located 304 Main St., between May 27 and June 13 could have been exposed to hepatitis A. An individual, who participated in food preparation at the local restaurant, has been confirmed as being infectious while preparing food at the restaurant, according to AHS.
Individuals who believe they were exposed are asked to call Health Link at 811 immediately “for assessment of exposure and risk.”
“While we believe the risk to the public is low, hepatitis A is a serious infection,” said Dr. Jia Hu, Calgary zone’s medical officer of health in a press release. “Calling Health Link and monitoring yourself and your family for symptoms are important precautions.”
Individuals who call Health Link will be advised of their eligibility to attend an immunization clinic. A clinic, planned for June 18 and 19, will run from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Airdrie Town and Country Centre.
“Immunization can only be provided within 14 days after an exposure and can prevent illness from occurring," according to AHS. "Individuals assessed by Health Link as eligible for immunization, but who cannot attend these clinics, are encouraged to talk to Health Link about alternate options for immunization.”
The AHS release stated, hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. Spread through the fecal-oral route, individuals primarily contract hepatitis A through direct contact with an infected person; however, individuals can also contract the illness indirectly by ingestion of contaminated food or water.
“There is no ongoing risk of infection associated with this restaurant," the release stated. "It has been cleaned, inspected, and approved as safe to operate by AHS Environmental Public Health.”