Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is highly contagious.

You can get hepatitis A in Africa, Central and South America and Asia, and also in countries in Eastern Europe. It is rare in the Netherlands.

You can get hepatitis A by drinking water or eating food contaminated with faeces from someone who has hepatitis A. The virus can also spread via contaminated door handles, taps and towels. You can infect other people indirectly.

Adults and older children can feel tired and nauseous, with fever, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. After a few days jaundice can appear: the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Symptoms usually last a few weeks, sometimes up to three months. Young children often do not become very ill, but they can still spread the virus.

For most tropical and subtropical countries, and for some countries in Eastern Europe and around the Mediterranean, vaccination is wise. Ask a travel clinic whether you need it for your trip.

You can lower the risk of hepatitis A with these measures:

Hygiene

• Keep things as clean as possible and wash your hands with soap regularly, especially after using the toilet and before eating.

Food and drink

• Drink only sealed bottled water or boiled water.
• Avoid ice cubes: they are often made from tap water.
• Eat only packaged ice cream.
• Avoid raw vegetables and salads: they are often washed with tap water.
• Peel fruit yourself.
• Eat only fresh meat or fish, including shellfish, that has been thoroughly cooked and is still hot.

Because hepatitis A is highly contagious, these measures are not always enough.