Health Authorities Warn of Second Hepatitis A Exposure on Sunshine Coast

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has issued a second notification regarding potential exposure to hepatitis A on the Sunshine Coast. The latest warning affects customers of Pepper Creek Pizza and Pasta, located at 4330 Sunshine Coast Highway in Wilson Creek (Sechelt). Individuals who consumed salads from the establishment between July 31 and August 14 or between August 23 and August 29 may have been exposed to the virus.

This announcement follows a previous exposure notification for Sea Monkey Coffee, situated at Sunday Cider outside of Gibsons, which was issued on August 25. The earlier notice indicated that customers who visited Sea Monkey Coffee between August 1 and August 25 should be aware of potential exposure. It is important to note that the Gibsons notification does not extend to customers of other businesses located at 1632 Sunshine Coast Highway, including the cidery itself, nor does it include those who dined at the food truck or consumed only beverages at the venue.

Vaccination is a key preventive measure against hepatitis A. VCH recommends that those who consumed salads at Pepper Creek between August 23 and August 29 or visited Sea Monkey Coffee from August 15 to August 25 seek vaccination as soon as possible. Vaccines are known to be effective when administered within two weeks of exposure and are available at various clinics and pharmacies across the region.

In a statement, VCH Public Health emphasized that while the risk of transmission remains low, individuals who dined at either location during the specified dates should monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A. Symptoms typically manifest within two to seven weeks following exposure and may last for approximately two months. These symptoms include severe fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, abdominal pain on the right side beneath the rib cage, fever, muscle aches, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and clay-colored stools.

“Although most cases of hepatitis A resolve on their own without leading to long-term liver issues, there are rare instances where the infection can escalate in severity,” the notification stated. Those who have previously contracted hepatitis A or received two doses of the vaccine before exposure are considered protected from the virus.

Individuals who suspect they may have been infected are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or call HealthLink BC at 811 for guidance. For additional information about hepatitis A, visit vch.ca/en/health-topics/hepatitis-a.