Wednesday September 18, 2024 | VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Island Health is notifying people who dined at the Dairy Queen Grill and Chill Restaurant in Courtenay (1030 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay) about a possible exposure to Hepatitis A.
Heptatis A is a contagious liver infection, says the Mayo Clinic. The virus can cause severe sickness, says Island Health. The virus is passed to others through food preparation or other hand-to-mouth contact.
Illness can take two to seven weeks to develop after exposure and can last for up to two months, said Island Health in a news release today.
Island Health says the “risk of transmission to the public is low” but is recommending that people who consumed food at the restaurant between 5 pm and 9 pm on September 10, 12, 13 or 14 should received a free dose of Hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last visit to the restaurant.
| Date of restaurant visit | Latest date to receive vaccine |
| September 10 | September 24 |
| September 12 | September 26 |
| September 13 | September 27 |
| September 14 | September 28 |
For best protection, Island Health says the vaccine should be received as soon as possible. “Immunization reduces the risk of Heptatitis A infection if administered no later than 14 days after the possible exposure.
Anyone who has previously been infected with Hep A or those who received two doses of Hep A vaccine prior to the possible exposure event do not require further immunization, says Island Health.
Symptoms:
Not everyone who becomes infected with Heptatis A will develop symptoms. But if symptoms do develop, they will include yellowing of the skin and eyes, light-coloured stools, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, pain on the right side of the belly under the rib cage (where your liver is).
If symptoms develop, the person should not go to work or school and should attend medical attention.
Getting the vaccine:
Island Health says the vaccine is available at the Comox Valley Health Unit at 961 England Avenue in Courtenay. Appointment not required.
- Monday to Friday | 8:30 am to 4 pm
- Wednesdays | 8:30 am to 7 pm
- Saturdays & Sunday | 9:30 am to 4 pm (September 21 and 22 only)
- The office is closed from 12 noon to 1 pm every day.
Anyone who feels they were exposed but live outside the Comox Valley area should contact their local public health unit.
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NEWS SECTIONS: HEALTH | ISLAND HEALTH