Los Angeles County, California, declares an outbreak of hepatitis A

Following the detection of 10 cases of hepatitis A, health authorities have declared an outbreak of this disease. For the first time, 2 of the cases are in homeless persons who were infected locally.

Advice

Travellers should be aware that hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination. When there is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus, travellers can basically eliminate this risk by obtaining the vaccine prior to travelling and by exercising caution and avoiding consuming contaminated food and water and close personal contact (including sexual activities) with infected persons.