Hepatitis A alert in Victoria

Health alert from 5 May, 2023.
People who have consumed food from the Creatures of Habit cafe in Springvale are advised to be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis A infection following the identification of two cases linked to the cafe.

There is a risk of locally acquired cases of hepatitis A presenting in the coming weeks.

Anyone who has eaten food from the cafe between 25 March and 8 April 2023 should monitor for symptoms for up to 50 days and seek urgent medical attention if unwell.

What is hepatitis A?

• It’s a viral infection of the liver, causing acute hepatitis.
• Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, fever and stomach pains, followed by dark urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
• Hand washing and good hygiene practices are important to prevent transmission of hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A is an urgent notifiable condition and must be be notified by medical practitioners and pathology services immediately by telephone on initial diagnosis.