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.
Although the risk of transmission to the public is low, Island Health Public Health recommends that people who consumed food at the restaurant between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on September 10, 12, 13, or 14 should receive a free dose of hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last visit to the restaurant.
For best protection, vaccine should be received as soon as possible. Immunization reduces the risk of hepatitis A infection if administered no later than 14 days after the possible exposure.
The vaccine is available at the Comox Valley Health Unit (961 England Avenue, Courtenay). No appointment is needed:
- Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Wednesdays extended hours till 7 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sept 21-22 only)
- Office is closed from 12 - 1 p.m. every day
Those who are outside the Comox Valley should 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 possible exposure event do not require further immunization.
Island Health recommends monitoring for symptoms. If you feel well, you may carry on with your regular activities including going to work and school. If you become sick, do not attend work and seek medical attention.
Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver and can cause you to be sick. In some rare cases, it can cause severe sickness. The virus can be passed on to others through food preparation or other hand-to-mouth contact. Hepatitis A illness can take two to seven weeks to develop after exposure and last for up to two months.
Signs and symptoms 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 you notice these symptoms, please seek healthcare and advise providers of the possible contact to hepatitis A at the restaurant.
Find more information about hepatitis A symptoms, causes, tests, treatments and prevention at http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-a
For reference:
| 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 |