People who ate at the Sun Peaks ski resort near Kamloops between Jan. 7 and 24 may have been exposed to hepatitis A, the Interior Health Authority is warning.

A food handler at Masa's Bar and Grill developed the virus after travelling outside of the country, Dr. Digby Horne, the medical health officer for the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap area, told CBC News on Wednesday morning.

As a result, Interior Health is urging anyone who ate at Masa's after 3 p.m. PT on Jan. 16, 18, 20, 23 or 24 to get vaccinated.

Diners who ate at the restaurant after 3 pm on Jan. 7, 8, 11, 12 and 13 also may have been exposed to the virus but will not benefit from immunization, said Interior Health.

Those people should be alert to the signs and symptoms of hepatitis A, and if those occur, they should not handle or serve food destined for others. They should see their family physician for testing, said Interior Health.

Sun Peaks staff were attempting to contact people who stayed at the resort during the relevant period, and the Interior Health Authority has organized immunization clinics.

Those who consumed only water or other beverages or ate after the affected dates were not considered to be at risk, according to the health authority.

To date, there have been no other reported cases of hepatitis A linked to the worker and Masa's Bar & Grill remains in full operation. Staff are being immunized with the hepatitis A vaccine. 

The Interior Health Authority will be holding free drop-in immunization clinics at the following times and locations:

  • Wednesday, Jan. 30
    · 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun Peaks Health Clinic
    · 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kamloops Health Unit, 519 Columbia St.
  • Thursday, Jan. 31
    · 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun Peaks Health Clinic
    · 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Kamloops Health Unit, 519 Columbia St.

Individuals outside of Kamloops or Sun Peaks should contact their local public health unit to arrange for the Hepatitis A vaccination.

Hepatitis A is a viral illness that affects the liver. Symptoms may develop 15 to 50 days after exposure and include nausea, abdominal cramps, fever, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Illness can last for several weeks, and people generally recover completely, Interior Health said.