VCH warning of Hepatitis A exposures at Whistler restaurants

Vancouver Coastal Health is advising people who dined at two restaurants in Whistler earlier this month to monitor for symptoms after a possible Hepatitis A exposure.

People who ate at Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar and Il Caminetto between July 4 and July 20 should look out for symptoms, which can take up to seven weeks to develop, and can last up to two months.

In a release, VCH says symptoms can include: feeling very tired, feeling nauseous with no appetite, losing weight without trying, having pain on the right side of your belly, under your rib cage where your liver is, a fever, sore muscles, and yellow skin and eyes.

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The health authority urges that anyone who has symptoms of Hep A to see a health care provider as soon as possible

“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,” it writes.

Having one dose of an approved vaccine can help prevent infection if given within two weeks of exposure, VCH says, so it is advising anyone who dined at either of the restaurants be vaccinated as soon as possible.

“A free dose of hepatitis A vaccine is available for those who are eligible at clinics and pharmacies throughout the VCH region.”

For folks who primarily live outside of VCH boundaries, VCH says to contact your local health authority.

More information about Hepatitis A symptoms, causes, tests, treatments and prevention can be found at the BC CDC website.