A popular pizza establishment on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast has become the center of a public health concern as Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) issued an urgent alert regarding potential hepatitis A exposure. Health officials are warning patrons who dined at Lighthouse Pizza in Sechelt during specific dates in late May that they may have been exposed to the contagious liver infection.
The health authority confirmed that individuals who consumed food or beverages from the restaurant located at 5517 Wharf Avenue between May 22 and May 30 could be at risk. This development has raised significant concerns in the coastal community, where the restaurant serves as both a culinary destination and social hub.
“We’re taking this situation extremely seriously,” said Dr. Emily Lawson, medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health. “Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable illness, and we’re working diligently to ensure all potentially exposed individuals receive proper guidance and preventative care.”
For those potentially exposed, VCH emphasizes that receiving the hepatitis A vaccine within 14 days of exposure can significantly reduce the risk of infection. The health authority has established temporary vaccination clinics in Sechelt to accommodate affected community members, with priority given to those without previous vaccination history.
The restaurant has fully cooperated with health officials, temporarily closing for thorough sanitization procedures. Management issued a statement expressing their commitment to customer safety and thanking the community for its support during this challenging period.
Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically appear 15 to 50 days after exposure and may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine. While most people recover completely, the illness can cause significant discomfort and missed work or school days.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety protocols and routine vaccinations. Health officials note that restaurant-associated hepatitis A outbreaks, while concerning, provide valuable opportunities to improve public health response systems.
“The swift response from local health authorities demonstrates the effectiveness of our public health infrastructure,” noted Dr. Thomas Chen, infectious disease specialist at Vancouver General Hospital. “Early detection and preventative measures are critical in containing potential outbreaks of communicable diseases.”
As the situation continues to develop, residents of the Sunshine Coast are encouraged to stay informed through official health authority channels and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms consistent with hepatitis A after dining at the establishment during the identified timeframe.
What measures should restaurant patrons routinely take to protect themselves from foodborne illnesses while still enjoying their community’s dining establishments?
