Hepatitis A Exposure at Vancouver Food Truck
Vancouver Coastal Health, in British Columbia, Canada, has issued a public notification regarding a potential hepatitis A exposure at Sea Monkey Coffee, located at Sunday Cider at 1632 Sunshine Coast Highway in Gibsons. The health authority advises that individuals who consumed food at the establishment between August 1 and 25, 2025 may have been exposed to the virus.
The notification specifically applies only to customers who dined at Sea Monkey Coffee during the designated timeframe. Vancouver Coastal Health said that patrons of other businesses at the same address, including Sunday Cider itself, are not affected by this alert. Additionally, those who visited Sea Monkey Coffee outside the specified dates or consumed only beverages from the venue face no exposure risk.
Health officials particularly recommend hepatitis A vaccination for anyone who ate at Sea Monkey Coffee between August 14 and 25. The vaccine can provide protection against infection when administered within two weeks of exposure, making prompt action essential for recent diners.
While Vancouver Coastal Health characterizes the transmission risk to the general public as low, the authority advises all individuals who consumed food from the establishment during the exposure period to monitor themselves for hepatitis A symptoms. These symptoms typically emerge two to seven weeks after exposure and can persist for approximately two months.
Hepatitis A manifests through various symptoms including severe fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and unintentional weight loss. Additional indicators include pain in the right side of the abdomen beneath the rib cage, fever, and muscle soreness. More advanced symptoms involve jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes, along with dark urine and clay-colored stools.
Healthcare providers stress the importance of seeking medical attention if early symptoms develop. In most instances, hepatitis A infections resolve independently without causing long-term liver complications, though rare cases can become more serious.
Free hepatitis A vaccines are available for eligible individuals at clinics and pharmacies throughout the Vancouver Coastal Health region. The health authority provides current location information and comprehensive details about causes, testing, treatments, and prevention measures on their website. Residents outside the region should consult local pharmacies about vaccine availability or contact their area Public Health units.
Individuals who previously contracted hepatitis A or received two vaccine doses before the exposure event are considered protected and do not require additional vaccination. Those with concerns about potential exposure can call 811 in Canada or consult their primary care provider for guidance.
