Diners at BC Dairy Queen warned of Hepatitis A exposure

Island Health is warning people about a potential Hepatitis A exposure at a Dairy Queen restaurant.

This afternoon, the health authority warned that people who dined at the Dairy Queen in Courtenay, 1030 Cliffe Ave., from Sept. 10-14 between 5 pm and 9 pm were possibly exposed to the virus.

They added that, although the risk of transmission to the public is low, it’s recommended that anyone who ate at the establishment on those days and times go and receive a free dose of Hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of their last visit to the restaurant.

People affected by the exposure should get the vaccine as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection.

Island Health added that 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.

The virus affects the liver, and in some rare cases can make you severely sick. It 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.

Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes, light-coloured stools, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea and pain on the right side of the belly under the rib cage.