Hepatitis A

November 4, 2024

Traveller's information Hepatitis A

What is hepatitis A (infectious jaundice)?

Hepatitis A is a form of liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis A virus
(HAV). This virus is transmitted by food and water contaminated with faeces.

Where does hepatitis A occur?

The disease is common in Africa, Central and South America and Asia, but also in some
countries around the Mediterranean Sea. In the Netherlands, the disease is rare.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?

Two to seven weeks (average 4 weeks) after infection, a flu-like picture develops with
fever, nausea, upper abdominal pain, fatigue and jaundice. Jaundice is usually the
first visible as the whites of the eyes turn yellow. Later, the skin turns yellow, decolours the stools
and the urine becomes darker.
Not everyone who is infected develops symptoms. (Young) children often don't get any at all or
few symptoms, while they can be contagious to others. Especially adults
can become seriously ill from hepatitis A. The symptoms usually last a few weeks but
can also last longer, up to 3 months.
Anyone who has not yet had the disease can become infected and fall ill.
People with another disease of the liver and the elderly can become sicker from hepatitis A.
A person who has had hepatitis A does not get the disease again

How can you prevent hepatitis A?

Unfortunately, contaminated food or water cannot be recognised. Even in luxury restaurants, hepatitis A
'served'. Good hygiene alone is therefore not enough to prevent contamination
occur in a country where hepatitis A is prevalent.

Hepatitis A vaccine

When visiting most (sub)tropical countries and some countries in Eastern Europe and around
the Mediterranean Sea, vaccination is recommended. The full series consists of two injections in
the upper arm. After the first vaccination, almost everyone is protected. This protection keeps
for at least a year. A second vaccination gives long-term protection (at least 25 years).
There should preferably be a period of 6 to 12 months between the first and second injection.
If you have been at risk for hepatitis A in the past, a blood test may be
done to see if you have antibodies. If so, you are protected for life and have
No more hepatitis A vaccinations required.
If you are going to travel and are at risk of being infected with another form of liver infection,
hepatitis B, it is also possible to have a combination vaccination against both hepatitis A and B
take. You will then receive a total of 3 injections. See the leaflet 'Hepatitis B'.