Hepatitis A Outbreak in Austria and Sweden

An outbreak of Hepatitis A is currently affecting Austria. From June to early October 2018, there have been 36 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A in the country.

The outbreak was linked to the Hepatitis A outbreak declared in Sweden, where the disease was reported across 6 counties with 20 reported cases.

Advies

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.