Manitoba health officials issued a public warning on September 25, 2026 about a potential hepatitis A exposure linked to the West Broadway church and community service hub in Winnipeg. The advisory asks residents to be aware that the site may have been a point of transmission for the virus.
The health department’s notice comes as part of routine public‑health monitoring when a risk of hepatitis A is identified. Hepatitis A is a contagious infection of the liver that spreads primarily through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through close personal contact with an infected individual. Because the virus can survive in the environment for weeks, health agencies often act quickly to inform the public when a possible exposure is detected.
The West Broadway location serves as both a place of worship and a community service center, drawing regular attendance from a broad cross‑section of the neighbourhood. While the alert does not specify the number of individuals potentially affected, it underscores the province’s commitment to rapid communication in order to limit further spread.
Officials emphasize that hepatitis A typically produces symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice within two to six weeks after exposure. They advise anyone who has visited the church or service hub during the relevant time frame to watch for these signs and to seek medical advice if they develop them. Early diagnosis and supportive care can reduce complications and help prevent transmission to others.
Health authorities continue to investigate the source of the possible contamination and will update the public as more information becomes available. In the meantime, standard preventive measures—including thorough hand washing, safe food handling, and avoiding consumption of untreated water—remain the most effective ways to protect against hepatitis A infection.