Wednesday, August 2, 2006
CBC News
Health officials have confirmed seven cases of hepatitis A in Lower Sackville, a community north of Halifax.
The hepatitis A virus, which attacks the liver, is spread when a person puts something in his mouth that has been contaminated by the feces of someone infected.
Usually, it’s passed by someone with hepatitis A who uses the toilet but doesn’t wash his hands before touching food.
Symptoms may include fever, nausea, dark urine and jaundice, and usually pass within a few weeks. The virus is most serious in the elderly or those who have weakened immune systems.

Health officials are trying to keep the virus from spreading by urging residents to wash their hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
“It’s possible to be infected with the virus and not have symptoms, but still spread it,” Dr. Shelly Sarwal, a medical officer of health, told CBC News.
“So, we want people to be really careful about handwashing.”
Sarwal said health officials are still trying to track down the original case of the virus.
Public Health will hold several information sessions in Lower Sackville on Thursday and Friday.