Toronto Public Health confirmed at least 20 cases of Hepatitis A Sunday night, some of which are already in hospital at Etobicoke General.
The origin of some cases hasn't been confirmed, but the mother of one patient suggests her son may have gotten it from school.
"He had the shakes where he was freezing and really cold, his whole body was shaking and this went on for a week," said Rosemary DiMauro in a
CityNews exclusive.
It was then DiMauro brought her 13-year-old son Domenic to Etobicoke General Hospital. She says he couldn't stop vomiting and his eyes had turned yellow. He was later diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
"I understand he picked it up at the school because he does not go anywhere other than school and back home," DiMauro said.
"It's transferred through feces and I said well, I'm not surprised. I've seen the washrooms at the school."
A few weeks back, Toronto Public Health officials acknowledged that certain students at Elmbank Junior Middle Academy had been diagnosed with Hep A, and sent a letter to parents saying the school was not the source of the outbreak.
The letter also insisted that the cases were infected by family members or close friends.
"We've had health inspectors come and take a look at our washrooms, which was an area of concern I suppose, and everything was said to be fine," said Elmbank Academy
Principal
Cheryl Smith. "They're assuring me that they really still don't believe that the school has anything to do with the transmission."
"Right now there's no risk for the greater public," adds Dr. Vinita Dubey of Toronto Public Health.
"Right now we're seeing people getting Hepatitis A who live in households with people who have had it and have had close contact."
But those words are of little consolation for DiMauro, whose 15-year-old daughter was sent to hospital with and treated for Hep A infection not long after her son had been.
"How could she have acute Hepatitis A when the health department told you that the first set of blood tests that you have done, every one was negative?" DiMauro asked.
"It is possible," responded Dubey.
"It takes 30 days from when you've been exposed to Hepatitis A to when you'll develop symptoms."
It's believed five out of the six Hepatitis A patients currently at the hospital are from Elmbank Junior Middle Academy.
Here's a primer on Hepatitis A, courtesy of
Toronto Public Health
:
What is Hepatitis A?
The Hepatitis A virus causes a temporary infection in the liver.
How do I get Hepatitis A?
- Hepatitis A is found in the stool (bowel movements) of persons infected with the virus.
- Hepatitis A is spread from person to person by putting anything in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with Hepatitis A (also known as the "fecal-oral" route).
- You can't get the Hepatitis A virus by sneezing, coughing, hugging or sitting next to an infected person.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
- Many infants and young children will have no symptoms.
- Symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).
- Symptoms are more severe in adults.
How can Hepatitis A be prevented?
- A vaccine is available that can prevent Hepatitis A infection if it is given early enough.
Where can I get it?
A free clinic is being held at the gym of Elmbank Jr. Acaedmy, 10 Pittsboro Dr. on December 2nd and December 9th from 12 -4pm
Who is at higher risk for Hep A?
Those with:
-
Close contacts of people with Hepatitis A
-
People with chronic liver disease, including people with Hepatitis B or C
-
Intravenous drug users
-
Men who have sex with men
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
- Most people have no side effects.
- A few get some pain and redness where they got the shot.
- A few get a mild fever and headache in the days after getting the shot.
- Rarely, someone may get a more serious allergic reaction to the vaccine a few minutes after the shot.
- Call your doctor if side effects last more than 2 days.
Who should NOT get the vaccine?
- If you have had Hepatitis A infection before or received 2 shots of the Hepatitis A vaccine.
- If you had a severe reaction to the Hepatitis A vaccine or another vaccine in the past.
- If you are allergic to neomycin (an antibiotic).
- Infants less than 12 months of age.
- Pregnant women.
What happens if I can't get the Hepatitis A vaccine?
For individuals who cannot get the vaccine, a "shot" called an immune globulin can be given. Immune globulin is a sterile preparation of antibodies that can lower the risk of infection for about 3 to 5 months.
How long will this vaccine protect me against Hepatitis A?
- One dose of Hepatitis A vaccine will protect you for at least 1 year.
- A second dose in 6 to 12 months will protect you for life. You can see your doctor to get the second dose, which is not provided by Toronto Public Health.
Can I get Hepatitis A more than once?
No. Once you have had Hepatitis A infection you cannot get it again.
If you have already been exposed to Hepatitis A, the vaccine may not prevent you from getting sick.
What can I do to prevent Hepatitis A infection?
- Always wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing a diaper and before and after eating or preparing food.
- Wash uncooked food thoroughly before use, especially fruits, vegetables and shellfish.
- Cook all foods thoroughly.
More Hep-A Resources:
Health Canada
Mayo Clinic