A vaccine against Hepatitis A is recommended for travelers, as although it is rare in the UK, there is a higher incidence in areas of the world with poor sanitation. The bacteria causing Hepatitis A are usually transmitted by ingesting contaminated food & drink – it is passed on through bacteria found in the stools, so is most commonly spread by lack of hand-washing in food preparation).
Commonly affected locations
Africa, Asia, Central America, South America
Symptoms*
With Hepatitis A infection, symptoms take some weeks to appear after the virus has been contracted, & in some cases, there are no symptoms at all. In cases showing symptoms, the most common are:
joint pain
fatigue or exhaustion
nausea & vomiting
pain or tenderness of the lower ribs
abdominal pain
discoloured stools (light, pale, or grey)
dark yellow urine
decreased appetite or no appetite
fever
jaundice (yellow skin)
