Hepatitis A: Manitoba outbreak update and interim immunization strategy

Cette information est seulement disponible en anglais.

To: Local Health System Partners

Outbreak update

• Manitoba continues to experience a significant hepatitis A outbreak that began in April 2025. As of July 16, 2026, 898 infections have been reported, including 7 deaths.
• To date, Ontario has identified 4 infections genetically linked to Manitoba’s outbreak strain; however, none of these infections have occurred within the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.

Expanded eligibility for hepatitis A vaccine

• In addition to the current immunization recommendations, as part of an interim immunization strategy, Ontario recommends offering one dose of publicly funded hepatitis A vaccine to individuals 6 months of age and older who may have an increased risk of exposure related to the Manitoba outbreak, including those who
  • live in, work in, travel to, or receive visitors from an Indigenous community in Manitoba
  • live in a Northern Ontario community on or near the Manitoba border
  • are experiencing homelessness or are underhoused and are travelling to or spending time anywhere in Manitoba
  • work, volunteer, or provide services in shelters, encampments, or similar settings in Winnipeg
• Health care providers are encouraged to assess patient eligibility for hepatitis A vaccination and administer the hepatitis A vaccine to eligible individuals.
• The hepatitis A vaccine can be ordered using the vaccine order form.

Reporting to Public Health

• Hepatitis A must be reported to Public Health immediately.

For more information, please contact public health at 705.522.9200 (toll-free: 1.866.522.9200), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

Original Signed By

M. Mustafa Hirji, MD, MPH, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer