HAV is shed in the feces of infected people.* Food handlers with HAV infection pose a great risk to travellers.
Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections acquired during travel. In the United States the most frequently identified risk factor for hepatitis A is international travel. Risk is highest for those who live in or visit rural areas, trek in backcountry areas, or frequently eat or drink in settings of poor sanitation. However, cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travellers to developing countries with “standard” tourist itineraries, accommodations, and eating behaviours. *
The symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and jaundice (yellowish or lemon discoloration of the white part of the eyes).
Hepatitis A can be prevented by a vaccine and by following our Food and Water Safety instructions. Ask your travel doctor for more details.