Authorities in Mumbai reported a spike in both hepatitis A and E infections during 2019, blamed by doctors on ‘roadside stalls, which use unhygienic water to cook food. They wash dishes and cups in the same contaminated water’. Read more
IN THE NORTHERN state of Uttar Pradesh, residents of the city of Lalitpur are up in arms over the large population of stray dogs and the resulting increase in dog bites - more than 500 people required rabies exposure treatment in a 1-month period recently. 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 consuming contaminated food and water, by handling everyday items and through some types of 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 offers long term protection.
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.