Second Hepatitis A Alert Issued for Sunshine Coast Eateries

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has issued a second notification of possible hepatitis A exposure, this time concerning patrons of Pepper Creek Pizza and Pasta located at 4330 Sunshine Coast Highway in Wilson Creek, Sechelt. The alert follows a previous notification regarding Sea Monkey Coffee on August 25. Individuals who consumed salads at Pepper Creek between July 31 and August 14, or between August 23 and August 29, may have been exposed to the virus.

The health authority clarified that those who ordered items such as pizza, sandwiches, or pasta from the restaurant are not at risk. The warning comes on the heels of a similar notice for Sea Monkey Coffee, which indicated potential exposure for customers from August 1 to August 25. Notably, the Gibsons location does not include patrons from other businesses at 1632 Sunshine Coast Highway, nor does it affect those who dined at the food truck outside these specified dates or those who only consumed drinks.

Vaccination is a key preventive measure against hepatitis A. VCH advises that individuals who ate salads at Pepper Creek during the specified periods or dined at Sea Monkey Coffee within its exposure dates should seek a vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccinations remain available at various clinics and pharmacies throughout the region.

In a statement, VCH noted, “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 fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, abdominal pain, fever, muscle aches, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Those exhibiting symptoms are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider.

According to the notification, “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.” Individuals who have previously contracted hepatitis A or have been vaccinated with two doses prior to potential exposure are considered protected.

For further information on hepatitis A, the public can visit the VCH website at vch.ca/en/health-topics/hepatitis-a. Those who suspect they may have been infected can reach out to HealthLink BC at 811.