VCH Issues Second Hepatitis A Alert for Sunshine Coast Eaters

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has issued a second hepatitis A exposure notification within a span of two days, this time concerning customers of Pepper Creek Pizza and Pasta located at 4330 Sunshine Coast Highway in Wilson Creek (Sechelt). Individuals who consumed salads from this establishment between July 31 and August 14, as well as from August 23 to 29, may have been exposed to the virus.

The health authority clarified that patrons who ordered pizzas, sandwiches, or pasta from Pepper Creek during these dates are not considered at risk of exposure. This latest notification follows a prior alert issued for Sea Monkey Coffee at Sunday Cider, situated outside Gibsons, for the period of August 1 to 25. The notice regarding Sea Monkey Coffee does not apply to customers of other businesses at 1632 Sunshine Coast Highway, excluding the cidery itself. It also does not affect those who visited the food truck or consumed only beverages at the venue outside of the specified dates.

Vaccines against hepatitis A are effective if administered within two weeks of potential exposure. Therefore, anyone who ate salad at Pepper Creek between August 23 and 29 or dined at Sea Monkey Coffee between August 15 and 25 is advised to seek vaccination promptly. Vaccines are available at various clinics and pharmacies throughout the region.

VCH Public Health has stated, “Although the risk of transmission to the public is low, VCH advises anyone who consumed food from either of these locations during the noted dates to monitor themselves for symptoms of hepatitis A, which can take two to seven weeks to develop after exposure and last for about two months.” The notice was released on Friday at approximately 17:45.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, pain in the abdomen, fever, muscle aches, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are urged to consult their healthcare provider.

The notification reassured the public that in most cases, hepatitis A infections resolve independently and do not lead to long-term liver issues. However, in rare instances, the infection can become severe. Those who have previously been infected with hepatitis A or who received two doses of the vaccine before potential exposure are considered protected.

For further information on hepatitis A, individuals can visit vch.ca/en/health-topics/hepatitis-a. Those who suspect they may have contracted the virus can also reach out to HealthLink BC at 811 for guidance.