The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel notice for Manitoba as the province continues to deal with a hepatitis A outbreak that has claimed four lives and sickened hundreds of people.
CBC News reported that the advisory is classified as a Level 1 travel notice, the lowest level in the CDC's four-tier system for global health risks. The designation advises travellers to practise standard safety and hygiene measures rather than taking any special or emergency precautions.
Winnipeg-based epidemiologist Cynthia Carr told CBC News that the notice appears to be unprecedented for Manitoba outside of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's just letting people know about an unusual rate of transmission right now," Carr told CBC.
"This is fairly unusual. But in a way, I think it's a good thing to remind people about what is hepatitis A — that it is very contagious, how it can be transmitted.”
"It is really important for people to understand that this can be very serious, [with] acute liver infection. Safe personal health practices is really important … but vaccination is ideal."
The notice was posted on the CDC's website earlier this month. According to figures provided by the Manitoba government, 784 cases linked to the outbreak have been reported since April 2025.
165 people have been hospitalized, including eight who required treatment in intensive care units. Four people have died.
Provincial officials say people experiencing homelessness have been particularly affected.
CTV News reported that most cases have occurred in rural and northern Manitoba communities.
According to CTV, Manitoba has expanded free hepatitis A vaccine eligibility to anyone aged 6 months or older in several First Nations communities. The province is also offering free vaccinations to staff and volunteers of non-health-care, community-based organizations in Winnipeg that serve people experiencing homelessness.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can spread through contaminated food and water or through close contact with an infected person. While many people recover completely, severe cases can result in hospitalization and, in rare cases, death.
Symptoms include dark urine, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
The CDC recommends that travellers to Manitoba ensure they are vaccinated against hepatitis A and follow good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing.
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