UPDATE:
A hepatitis A exposure at Splitz Grill in Whistler came from a casual employee who contracted the virus from an outside source, according to the restaurant’s owner.
The employee worked just one shift in a kitchen support role since the beginning of September, practicing food safety and COVID-19 protocols, and didn’t display any signs of sickness that day (Saturday, Oct. 9), said owner Peter Goff.
Since learning of the exposure late Wednesday afternoon, all Splitz employees who worked with the individual have been vaccinated against hepatitis A, Goff said, adding that none of the employees are showing signs of illness and the business continues to work closely with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
“As noted, the risk during this specific time period remains low, but anyone who dined with us should reach out to VCH or their family doctor for more information,” Goff said in a release.
In a phone call, Goff said he understands VCH is doing its due diligence by issuing a public exposure notice, but expressed frustration with the lack of context included in the notice.
“It’s vague … I’m asking them to exonerate us from the [implication of] food safety malpractice, and add some context around the story, because it’s a big blow to our business for sure,” he said.
“I feel a little bit singled out, and without the context everyone is filling in the blanks ... Splitz remains a safe, friendly and super tasty place to eat.”
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Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is issuing a hepatitis A public exposure notice for Splitz Grill, located at 4369 Main Street in Whistler.
The exposure occurred from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, VCH said in a release.
“While the risk of transmission remains low, public health advises anyone who consumed food at this restaurant during this specific time period and who are not protected against hepatitis A, to get immunized against the virus,” VCH said in the release.
VCH will hold a hepatitis A vaccination clinic at the Whistler Community Health Centre (4380 Lorimer Road) today (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Saturday (from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.)
The clinic will operate on a walk-in basis.
People who have previously been infected with hepatitis A or who have received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine prior to the exposure are considered protected.
“Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver and is typically found in the stools of an infected person. It is spread when a person eats food or drinks water that has come in contact with infected stools,” VCH said in the release.
“Some of the symptoms of hepatitis A infection include fatigue, stomach upset and loss of appetite, weight loss and fever, among other symptoms. Following exposure, it can take two to several weeks for symptoms develop. In most cases, the infection clears and does not lead to long-term liver problems. In rare cases, it can be more serious.”
Find more info at healthlinkbc.ca.
Check back with Pique for more on this story.
