The latest WHO African region weekly bulletin provides an update on the protracted hepatitis E outbreak underway since Dec 2017. A relatively steady decline in new cases since April is described by the organisation as ‘welcome’, however challenges remain and ‘until water, sanitation and hygiene issues across all informal settlements in regions are fully addressed, transmission remains a risk’.
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.