Public health authorities are investigating a cluster of four cases of Hepatitis A associated with a food establishment located in Qormi, the same authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Superintendence of Public Health said that investigations and contact tracing are ongoing and the necessary public health measures are being taken.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Symptoms may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, dark urine, pale stools and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Patients with Hepatitis A are provided with supportive care to relieve symptoms and ensure adequate hydration and nutrition and monitoring.
“Members of the public who consumed food from Deli & Co located in Ħal Qormi, between 17 and 25 June 2026 are advised to remain alert for symptoms of Hepatitis A as described above until 14 August 2026, in view of the incubation period of the infection,” the department said.
It said that people who consumed food from the establishment during that specified period and develop symptoms are advised to contact the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit within the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate on 23266161, 23266104, 23266119 between 8am and 3.30pm.
Symptoms usually develop around four weeks after infection, although the incubation period can range from approximately 15 to 50 days.
Anyone who consumed food from the establishment during the period indicated above and develops symptoms compatible with Hepatitis A is advised to seek medical advice and inform their healthcare professional of the possible exposure. For any urgent medical advice contact the telemedicine service on 21231231.
Hepatitis A is mainly transmitted through the faecal-oral route, including through food or water contaminated with the virus or through close contact with an infected person. Good hand hygiene, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food, is important in preventing transmission.