What to know about hepatitis A in travellers

Hepatitis A is an infection that affects the liver. It usually spreads when virus particles reach the mouth through contaminated food, drinks, hands or surfaces. Travel can increase exposure when sanitation is limited, but infection can occur in many settings.

Symptoms may begin with tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea, stomach discomfort, fever or dark urine. Yellowing of the skin or eyes and pale stools can follow. Some people, especially young children, have few symptoms while still being able to spread infection.

Discuss hepatitis A vaccination with a clinician before travel, allowing time to plan the schedule. Ask about destination-specific precautions and any need for advice after a recent exposure. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

Choose sealed drinks or water known to be safe, avoid ice of uncertain origin, and eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Wash or peel fruit yourself. If symptoms develop, avoid preparing food for other people and arrange medical advice, particularly if you are pregnant, have liver disease or take medicines that affect the liver.

Seek medical advice promptly for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent vomiting, marked drowsiness, worsening abdominal pain or inability to keep fluids down. Urgent assessment is needed for confusion, fainting, bleeding or severe dehydration. Tell the clinician about recent travel, food and water exposures, and possible contact with someone infected.

Ask whether vaccination is suitable for your destination and health history, what to do after a possible exposure, which medicines are safe if liver symptoms appear, and when it is safe to return to work or prepare food.