Public Health Sudbury & Districts issues community notice

If you've purchased deli meat from the Real Canadian Superstore recently, you're going to want to read on.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is issuing a community notice in the wake of a confirmed case of hepatitis A reported to public health Dec. 15.

The individual is an employee of the deli department at the Real Canadian Superstore located at 1485 Lasalle Blvd. in Sudbury.

Anyone who consumed clerk-served deli meat or cheese, or meat and cheese from prepared deli trays purchased from the store between Nov. 27 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 could be at risk of hepatitis A infection.

Anyone who in the last 14 days consumed these food items — purchased between Nov. 27 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 — is strongly recommended to get vaccinated for hepatitis A.

Individuals who ate the foods more than 14 days ago are advised to contact public health, monitor their health for signs and symptoms, and follow up with their health care provider if symptoms develop.

“We are in the process of securing a large supply of hepatitis A vaccine and will announce clinic dates and times for free vaccine as soon as possible,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Sudbury & Districts Medical Officer of Health.

“The clinics will be for anyone who consumed the affected foods within 14 days prior to vaccination. I expect we will receive vaccine and run clinics later this week and times will be shared as soon as possible.”

“Clerk-served” refers to food products that are offered for sale unpackaged and then packaged by a clerk upon request by the consumer (for example, deli meat for sale at the deli counter that is sliced and packaged by a clerk).

Any affected food that was purchased during this time period should be discarded or returned to the point of purchase. This food should not be eaten.

Free drop-in vaccination clinics will be offered, and dates, times, and locations will be announced once the vaccine supply is secured with updates posted on PHSD.ca. No appointments will be required. Clinics will also be available throughout Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area.

Common symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, stomach pain or discomfort, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, loss of appetite, clay or ash-coloured bowel movements, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

If you are concerned that you may have been infected with hepatitis A or if you have questions about getting the vaccine, contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200), or speak with your primary care provider as soon as possible.