Hep A outbreak in province’s North makes its way to Winnipeg, officials scrambling to vaccinate people at high risk

Manitoba public health officials say an outbreak of hepatitis A that began in the province’s North last year has led to an increasing number of cases in Winnipeg in recent weeks.

The outbreak, declared in April 2025, was at first affecting communities in northern Manitoba, including several remote First Nations, but has evolved in recent months and spread to other places in the province, provincial health officials said Friday.

The outbreak has spread to Winnipeg, particularly the homeless community, and people with connections to other places where the virus was already spreading.

As of April 26, 601 cases of hepatitis A virus associated with the outbreak have been identified in Manitoba, 131 of which are in Winnipeg.

A total of 133 people have been sent to hospital as a result of the outbreak, five of whom were sent to intensive-care units. Three people have died.

The province is reminding people to check whether they are eligible for a vaccine.

Public health officials are working to immunize populations at high risk of contracting the virus.

Anyone six months or older who is from Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, Red Sucker Lake, Peguis, War Lake or Bloodvein First Nations is eligible for the vaccine, as are people who have travelled to, or worked in those communities or have people visiting from there.

People at high risk, such as those who are homeless or use drugs or have certain medical conditions, can also access the vaccine.

Officials said poor sewage and water infrastructure in remote communities have contributed to the spread.

Vaccination can prevent the virus from causing the hepatitis A infection, which affects the liver. The shot can prevent infection in people who have been exposed, if administered within two weeks of exposure.

Some people who contract the virus, particularly young children, don’t show symptoms.

But symptoms tend to occur abruptly and can include fever, a loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, clay-coloured feces and jaundice.

The infection can cause severe illness, particularly in people with weakened immune systems and chronic liver disease, and those over 60.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca