On November 12, Halton Region Public Health was notified of a case of hepatitis A in a food handler, who worked at the Burlington Charcoal Pit located at 2031 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, between October 23 and November 1, 2025. Staff members and patrons who consumed food or beverages from this restaurant during this timeframe may have been exposed to the virus. The restaurant is working closely with Halton Region Public Health. The premises has been inspected and is compliant with public health standards.
“The likelihood of transmission is considered low. However, as a precaution, anyone who may have been exposed should watch for symptoms for up to 50 days,” said Dr. Patrick Galange, Associate Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. “Hepatitis A can cause liver infection and poses a higher risk for older adults and individuals with existing liver conditions. Vaccination is a highly effective way to prevent the disease.”
Individuals who have already received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine or have had hepatitis A infection will have immunity from the disease.
Halton Region Public Health strongly recommends that anyone who consumed food or beverages from the restaurant between October 23 and November 1 monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A and contact their health care provider if they experience symptoms.
Hepatitis A is an infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. Symptoms usually occur within 28 to 30 days after the virus enters the body, but they can begin any time between 15 to 50 days after exposure.
Common symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- fever
- general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness
- abdominal discomfort
- loss of appetite
- tiredness
- nausea and vomiting
- dark urine
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Hepatitis A is spread from person-to-person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated by a person that has the disease. Once infected, a person can pass the virus to others for two weeks or more before they even know they are sick. For those who have had close contact with a person with hepatitis A, a vaccine is available that can help prevent you from getting sick if it is given within 14 days of contact with the ill person.
To help prevent hepatitis A infection:
- wash hands thoroughly using soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers and before handling or eating food;
- avoid eating raw fish or shellfish;
- avoid sharing food and common items such as water bottles and cutlery;
- drink properly treated or bottled water if travelling outside of Canada; and
- consider getting the Hep A immunization if travelling where the disease is common or your personal and or professional life puts you at risk for the disease.
If you are concerned that you may have been infected with hepatitis A or have questions, please speak to your health care provider or contact Halton Region Public Health by calling 311. To learn more about hepatitis A, please visit Halton’s Preventing Communicable Diseases webpage.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 650,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and infrastructure planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.