Date issued: 5 May 2023
Issued by: Dr Christian McGrath, Acting Chief Health Officer
Issued to: Health professionals and the Victorian community
Key messages
- People who have consumed food from Creatures of Habit café in Springvale are advised to be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis A infection following the identification of two cases linked to the café.
- There is a risk of locally acquired cases of hepatitis A presenting in the coming weeks.
- Anyone who has eaten food purchased from the restaurant between 25 March and 8 April 2023 should monitor for symptoms for up to 50 days from exposure and seek urgent medical attention if unwell.
- Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, fever and stomach pains, followed by dark urine, pale stools and jaundice.
- Hand washing and good hygiene practices are important to prevent transmission of hepatitis A.
- Hepatitis A is an ‘urgent’ notifiable condition and must be notified by medical practitioners and pathology services immediately by telephone upon initial diagnosis (presumptive or confirmed).
- Read the full alert: Hepatitis A warning in Victoria
