At least four European countries frequented by Australian tourists have pointed out epidemics of the very contagious virus of hepatitis A.
A significant increase in liver infection has been reported in Austria, in Chechy, HungaryAnd Slovakia from January to May – with a total of 2097 cases this year.
Slovakia, which has had an epidemic since the end of 2022, reported 880 cases this year.
Austria recorded 87 cases, including three deaths, and the Chechy saw 600 cases, including six deaths, the young children being the most affected group.
Hungary experienced 530 cases, mainly in adults, and Germany – Although he was not labeled a affected country – had three cases corresponding to Hungary and Austria.
A spokesperson for the Australian interim center for control diseases warned Australians Take care of the current epidemic in Europe.
“ Australian travelers must be aware that hepatitis A is very contagious ”, they said The daily telegraph.
“You can be infected after ingesting the virus by: Eating contaminated raw foods … Drinking contaminated water … Handle nappies, linen or towels from an infectious person; Share personal objects with an infectious person … having close or intimate contact with an infectious person.
People can catch hepatitis A by close physical contact with someone who has it, including by oral or anal sex (bacteria forming spores are represented)
At least four European countries frequented by Australian tourists have reported epidemics of the hepatitis virus in very contagious (photo, travelers at Sydney airport)
The European Disease Prevention and Control Center has published a risk assessment on hepatitis A (HAV) on June 18.
“This epidemic reminds us that hepatitis A can cause serious illness and death, especially in people with limited access to health care and basic hygiene,” he said.
“Vaccination and good hygiene are the best ways to protect against hepatitis A infection.
The head of unit of the center for health related to health said that the group should “strengthen awareness” thanks to access to basic vaccination and sanitation.
Hepatitis A, caused by a virus spreads via contaminated faeces making its way in food and drinks, is not common in Australia.
The virus generally spreads through a lack of clean water and not correctly cleaning things, said hepatitis Australia.
People can also get hepatitis A by close physical contact with someone who has it, including by oral or anal sex.
Almost all those who have the virus will restore, but a small number can become very sick or die of hepatic insufficiency.
A significant increase in liver infection has been reported in Austria, Chechy, Hungary and Slovakia from January to May – with a total of 2097 cases this year (stock)
The majority of people affected are aged 50 or over, or who have other health problems (such as hepatitis B or C).
Smartraveller’s advice for Australians to avoid infectious diseases, including hepatitis A, have also suggested a range of sanitation measures.
“Wash your hands often and use disinfectants in hand before eating,” said the advice.
“Drink bottled water from a sealed bottle.
Smartraveller has also suggested using sterilizing water -to -water tablets or filtration bottles to make tap water safe and wash fresh products with bottled or sterilized water.
Australians are advised to avoid drinks with ice cubes, unsuccessful or insufficient foods, fresh salads and raw vegetables.
They are also told to avoid contact with water or soil which can be contaminated by wastewater and, in certain places, swimming or paddling pool in any fresh water.
The signs of infection include a high temperature, pseudo -Grippal symptoms – such as fatigue, headache and muscle pain – sensation or disease, abdominal pain, changes in stool, pale gray faeces and itching.
In more serious cases, a patient’s skin and eyes may appear yellow, a condition known as jaundice and a serious sign that the liver has trouble functioning correctly.
