mesvaccins.net
Patrick GEROME, 02/03/2026
In Canada, several First Nation communities in the state of Manitoba are victims of hepatitis A epidemics.
In November 2025, a state of emergency was declared among Indigenous communities in the Island Lake region of northern Manitoba due to the outbreak of numerous cases of hepatitis A. The affected communities are Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake. In January 2025, the Peguis First Nation community was also affected.
Manitoba Health has announced that free hepatitis A vaccines are available to community members, visitors and close contacts who are six months of age or older.
As of January 18, there were 308 cases of hepatitis A associated with this outbreak in Manitoba, most resulting from person-to-person contact. Overall, the risk of exposure to hepatitis A is low.
In Canada, a link has been established between a higher incidence of hepatitis A and a higher number of people per dwelling, as well as a correlation between the presence of problems with the drinking water supply (lack of network, untreated water or centralized treatment system with functioning or performance problems) and a higher incidence of hepatitis A.
Source: Government of Manitoba, Northwestern Health Unit, FluTrackers
Associated Areas: Canada
