NaTHNaC | Outbreaks of hepatitis A and E - update, 20 Mar 09, Travellers

News

20 March 2009

Outbreaks of hepatitis A and E - update

Hepatitis A in Latvia

This report updates the NaTHNaC News item of 14 October 2008.

In 2008, an increase in hepatitis A cases was reported in Latvia. Cases are continuing to be reported in 2009. Between 10 February and 16 March 2009, 4,376 cases of hepatitis A were confirmed by the Latvian Ministry of Health [1]. The majority of the cases were reported from the capital city of Riga (2,690 cases), as was the case in 2008. Further information about risk groups and control measures is available in our News item of 14 October 2008.

Hepatitis E in Uganda

Since 21 February 2009, an outbreak of hepatitis E has been reported in Uganda [2]. As of 18 March 2009, there have been 9,771 cases and 155 deaths. The World Health Organization is supporting surveillance and response.

Hepatitis A and E

Hepatitis A is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver and is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or direct contact with faeces in situations of poor hygiene or during certain sexual practices.

Hepatitis E virus also causes inflammation of the liver. Consumption of faecally-contaminated water appears to be the most common mode of transmission, but it can also occur through contaminated food and occasionally through direct person-to-person transmission. Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications from hepatitis E infection.

Advice for travellers

Hepatitis A and E occur worldwide, and travellers are advised to practice strict food, water and personal hygiene precautions while abroad, particularly in countries experiencing outbreaks, such as Latvia and Uganda.

There is a vaccine against hepatitis A, which should be recommended to those who are at increased risk. Vaccine recommendations for individual countries are available on the NaTHNaC Country Information Page.

There is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis E and therefore it is important that travellers are aware of the food, water and personal hygiene measures that they can take to protect themselves from this, and other faecal-oral transmitted diseases.

References

1. Latvian Ministry of Health. Operativa informacija par saslimstibu ar A hepatitu. [Accessed 20 March 2009]. Available at: http://www.sva.lv/lv/infekcijas/operatvinfor/

2. World Health Organization (African Regional Office).Africa weekly emergency situation update. 16 March 2009. 2 (11). [Accessed 20 March 2009]. Available at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/MYAI-7Q937H?OpenDocument