Manitoba’s hepatitis A outbreak is expanding beyond northern communities, with rising case counts in Winnipeg, particularly among people experiencing homelessness and those connected to outbreak regions. Public health officials are urging clinicians to identify eligible patients and promote vaccination early. 

• Manitoba declared the outbreak in April 2025. 
• As of April 26, there have been: 
  • 601 outbreak-associated cases
  • 133 hospitalizations
  • 5 ICU admissions
  • 3 deaths
• Winnipeg has reported 131 cases.
• There are two locations identified in Winnipeg where recent exposure to hepatitis A may have occurred:
  Burger King, 333 Home St., from April 8 to April 23, and 
• Augustine United Church, 444 River Ave., on April 19. 

Symptoms may appear between two and seven weeks after exposure. 

💡 What’s new: The province has expanded eligibility for a free single dose of hepatitis A vaccine to people aged six months and older connected to several affected communities. 

Eligible groups now include: 

• Residents of:
  • Island Lake communities (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake First Nations) 
  • Peguis First Nation 
  • War Lake First Nation (Ilford)
  • Bloodvein River First Nation
  • Ebb and Flow First Nation
• Anyone travelling to or working in these communities 
• People hosting household visitors from these communities
• Inmates of correctional facilities
• Staff and volunteers of non-healthcare community-based organizations in Winnipeg serving people experiencing homelessness

Additional eligibility remains in place for: 

• People experiencing homelessness 
• People who use drugs 
• Individuals with certain high-risk medical conditions

Read the latest letter to health care providers on Hepatitis A Vaccine Outbreak Eligibility here.