Travel Medicine (cont.)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that infects the liver. People get sick two to
six weeks after they get the virus. Symptoms include nausea, yellowing of the skin
and whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite,
and fatigue. The symptoms take two to six months to completely resolve. Unlike some
other hepatitis viruses, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease. In
other words, once the person gets better, he or she is completely cured. Some
infected people (especially children) are asymptomatic, meaning that they do not
develop symptoms.
Hepatitis A is spread when human waste is mistakenly ingested. Even a small
amount can cause disease, such as might occur by shaking hands with someone and
then touching the mouth. Food preparers have transmitted disease by mistakenly
contaminating food. It is also possible to get hepatitis A through sexual
contact or contaminated needles or blood. Hepatitis A occurs throughout the
world, but is more common in developing countries.
There is an effective vaccine that is quite good at preventing Hepatitis A.
If you are traveling to a developing country, your doctor will probably
recommend vaccination. In a few cases, your doctor might recommend a more
temporary measure called gamma globulin. Remember to follow food and water
precautions as well.
Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is an infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi. The
bacteria only live inside of humans. Most people who get sick develop a
headache, a very high fever (up to 103 F or 104 F), and possibly a stomachache.
The disease spreads when infected human waste contaminates food or water or
is otherwise ingested. People can get sick by eating or drinking contaminated
food or water. Some people are able to carry the bacteria inside their body and
continue to spread the disease for a very long time. People who get sick may be
given antibiotics by their doctor. In addition to the antibiotics, people should
make sure they wash their hands so that they don't spread the disease to anyone
else.
Typhoid fever occurs in many areas around the world, especially Asia,
Africa, and South America. The best ways to avoid getting sick are to be very
cautious about what you are eating and drinking, and to get vaccinated if you
are traveling to an area where typhoid fever is common. The saying, "Boil it,
cook it, peel it, or forget it!" provides some advice on how to prevent becoming
sick with typhoid fever. Please refer to the section below on what is safe to
eat and drink. A vaccine is available to reduce the risk of getting typhoid. Ask
your doctor or local public-health department about vaccinations before you
travel.
Next: Polio »
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