Second Hepatitis A notification for Sunshine Coast

Getting immunized with one dose of  hepatitis A vaccine  vaccine can help to prevent infection if given within two weeks of exposure.  Therefore, VCH recommends anyone who ate salads between Aug. 23 to 29 inclusive receive a hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible.   

This notification is in addition to one issued yesterday for Sea Monkey Coffee — located onsite at Sunday Cider in Gibsons (1632 Sunshine Coast Hwy.) — for people who ate food between Aug. 1- 25. For that location, vaccine is also recommended for people still within two weeks of exposure, between Aug. 15 to 25. 

 Although the risk of transmission to the public is low, VCH Public Health 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. 

 Symptoms of hepatitis A include: 

• Feeling very tired
• Feeling sick to your stomach and not feeling hungry
• Losing weight without trying
• Pain on the right side of the belly, under the rib cage (where your liver is)
• Fever
• Sore muscles
• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and clay-coloured stools 

If you have early symptoms of hepatitis A it is very important to see your health care provider. In most cases, the infection goes away on its own and does not lead to long-term liver problems. In rare cases, it can be more serious. 

A free dose of hepatitis A vaccine is available for those who are eligible at clinics and pharmacies throughout the VCH region. A current list of locations — as well as information about causes, tests, treatments and prevention —can be found at https://www.vch.ca/en/health-topics/hepatitis-a

Those who are outside the VCH region should check with a local pharmacy about vaccine availability or contact their local Public Health unit. 

Those who have previously been infected with hepatitis A or those who received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine prior to the exposure event are considered protected. 

Individuals who are concerned they may have been exposed and have questions can call 811 or speak to their primary care provider.  

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PUBLIC EXPOSURE NOTIFICATIONS AND PATIENT PRIVACY

Under B.C. law, personal health information is protected from unauthorized disclosure. That’s why, when VCH Public Health determines there is a risk of public exposure to an infectious disease, we will:

• Conduct a comprehensive investigation in accordance with guidelines
• Follow up directly with impacted individuals
• Notify the public in a timely and appropriate manner, along with guidance for personal health protection 

VCH Public Health will NOT share specific details — such as the source of an exposure — that could identify a patient or disclose private information, but it’s important to note that exposure to hepatitis A virus can occur at any restaurant; it does not necessarily imply deficient food handling practices.