Bearing similarities to the hepatitis outbreak occurring in several US states since last year, the Middlesex-London Health Unit has advised that 15 non-travel related hepatitis A cases have been reported since the start of October ‘mostly among under-housed or homeless Londoners, and those who inject drugs’. On average, the unit reports ‘about three cases of hepatitis A per year, most of them travel-related’. Read more
Advice for travellers
Hepatitis A (HAV) is a vaccine-preventable viral disease passed on to humans primarily through oral contact with faeces of an infected person. This can occur through contaminated food and water, by handling everyday items and sexual contact. It is a significant risk in travellers to developing countries where sanitation and hygiene are lacking. A course of hepatitis A vaccine offers immunity that is highly effective and protects for 20-30 years.
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.