(Thunder Bay, ON) Thunder Bay District Health Unit is advising the public that eligibility for free hepatitis A vaccination has been expanded in relation to an ongoing outbreak in Manitoba.
As of June 21, 2026, there have been 826 reported cases of hepatitis A in Manitoba since September 2024, mainly spread through person-to-person contact. There have been 183 hospitalizations, eight admissions to intensive care, and seven deaths since September 2024.
In Northwestern Ontario, there were two confirmed cases of hepatitis A at the Sioux Lookout Health Hub within the past eight months. TBDHU has not seen any cases of hepatitis A associated with the Manitoba outbreak to date.
Hepatitis A vaccination is important for preventing the spread of hepatitis A. Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated.
Currently, hepatitis A vaccine is available for free if you:
- Have chronic liver disease
- Use drugs through injection
- Are a man who has sex with men
Due to the outbreak, free vaccination is now available if you:
- Travel regularly to, or have household visitors from, the Island Lake area (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, and Red Sucker Lake First Nations), Peguis First Nation, War Lake First Nation (also known as Ilford), Bloodvein River First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, Cross Lake First Nation (Pimicikamak Cree Nation), and Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake Cree First Nation);
- Are planning to, or have already attended, the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It spreads mainly through contaminated food and water or through close, direct contact with an infected person. It can also spread through contact with infected blood or stool. Not everyone who contracts hepatitis A will have symptoms or feel sick. Those who do may have fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, nausea, abdominal pain, a general feeling of unwellness, and/or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Symptoms typically develop 14 to 28 days after exposure but people can spread the virus before symptoms appear. Symptoms can persist for weeks or months but usually resolve on their own; however, those with existing liver disease or who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of complications.
Other prevention measures include:
Wash Hands Thoroughly with Soap and Water
- After using the washroom or changing diapers
- Before and after preparing or eating food
- Before and after assisting someone who is ill
Practice Safe Food Handling
- Wash hands before and after preparing food
- Ensure food is properly washed and fully cooked
- Avoid cross-contamination
- Avoid preparing food for others if you are feeling unwell
Practice Safer Drug Use
- Use new equipment for every use
- Never share equipment with others
Practice Safer Sex
- Always use condoms or dental dams for all types of sexual activity
- Get tested regularly and with every new partner
If you have been to an area where there is a risk of hepatitis A and become ill, or have been in contact with someone who has hepatitis A, see a health care provider. The overall risk to the general public in the Thunder Bay District Health Unit area remains low.
For more information: Hepatitis A - Canada.ca
TBDHU Media Line 807-625-7994 or news@tbdhu.com
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