Hepatitis outbreak in Karnataka, India

Approximately 100 cases of hepatitis have been reported in the Napoklu region of the district of Kodagu. Consumption of contaminated water from open wells is considered to be the source. However, it is not clear in this report if the strain of hepatitis is A or E, both of which can be transmitted by contaminated water.

Advice

Travellers should be aware that hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis E. When there is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus, travellers can basically eliminate this risk by obtaining the vaccine prior to travelling. Exposure to both A and E viruses can be minimized by exercising caution and avoiding consuming contaminated food and water.