KELOWNA, British Columbia, Oct 13, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Canadian health officials say a restaurant worker in Kelowna, British Columbia, may have exposed as many as 2,400 people worldwide to the hepatitis A virus.

Health officials are asking 400 people who ate or drank at My Martini Place between Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 to seek vaccination against the liver disease as soon as possible, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

The time period coincides with the Okanagan Wine Festival, which attracted approximately 60,000 visitors from around the world.

Health Officer Dr. Leila Srour said the virus could have spread to as many as 2,000 more people during the months before Sept. 28, because the nightspot is popular with young adults. But she said it's too late for them to be immunized effectively because they could be already incubating the virus.

The woman diagnosed with hepatitis A was the bar manager, who also served food and drinks to patrons. She became ill late last month.

Officials fear people who traveled to the Okanagan festival may not hear about the need for vaccination, leading the disease to spread further.

Related MedlinePlus Pages:

• Hepatitis A
• Traveler's Health