Hepatitis E infection has been confirmed in almost all of 71 jaundice cases under investigation, most of which are in the Centre-Nord region. Ten deaths have been recorded in pregnant or post-partum women. According to the regional WHO bulletin, ‘one sample tested IgM positive for yellow fever …, awaiting confirmation from the Institut Pasteur in Dakar in Senegal’. Read more
Advice for travellers
The hepatitis E virus is transmitted mainly through faecal contamination of drinking water. Infection during the latter stages of pregnancy carries a higher rate of severe disease and mortality. Unlike the Hep A and B viruses, there is no vaccine for this strain in Australia, which is especially common in communities with lower levels of sanitation and hygiene. Read more about the virus and how to prevent it.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.