Thu Sep 19 00:47:00 UTC 2024: ## Courtenay Dairy Queen Customers May Have Been Exposed to Hepatitis A

**Courtenay, BC** – Island Health is issuing a warning to anyone who ate at the Courtenay Dairy Queen located at 1030 Cliff Ave. between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sept. 10, 12, 13, or 14. The agency believes customers may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus during those dates and times.

While the risk of transmission is considered low, Island Health recommends that anyone who dined at the Dairy Queen during the specified times get a free dose of the hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last visit. The vaccine is available at the Comox Valley Health Unit, located at 961 England Ave. in Courtenay, without an appointment.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause severe illness, though this is rare. It can be transmitted through contaminated food or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms usually appear two to seven weeks after exposure and can last up to two months.

Individuals who have previously been infected with hepatitis A or have received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine prior to the possible exposure do not need to get vaccinated again. Anyone who believes they were exposed and becomes ill should seek medical attention and avoid work or school.

Common symptoms of hepatitis A include yellowing of the skin and eyes, light-coloured stools or diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. Individuals may also experience pain on the right side of the belly, under the rib cage where the liver is located.

Island Health encourages anyone outside the Comox Valley who believes they may have been exposed to contact their local public health unit. More information about hepatitis A can be found at bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-a.

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