Hepatitis A in Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports transmission of hepatitis A continues in Europe.

From 1 January 2016 to 27 September 2017 there have been 11 212 cases in 19 EU/EEA countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

These figures contain cases from an outbreak of hepatitis A that began in June 2016 and in which men who have sex with men (MSM) have been particularly visible. It is likely that infection is under-reported. Latvia reported cases in 2016. Outside Europe, Israel has reported cases linked to the outbreak in 2016 and 2017.

Advice to travellers

• Most travellers will be at low risk of hepatitis A.
• As with all other illnesses spread by the faecal oral route, precautionary measures should be taken to avoid consumption of potentially contaminated drinks and drinking water and to ensure food is uncontaminated or cooked thoroughly.
• Personal hygiene when eating and drinking is also important including hand washing prior to eating and using clean plates, cups and utensils.

When to consider vaccination

Vaccination should be considered under the following circumstances and is dependent on the individual risk assessment

• Non immune travellers to developing countries are at most risk of infection.
• Occasionally cases have occurred in travellers staying in good quality hotel accommodation but the risk is increased for:
• those travelling to areas where they will be exposed to unsafe drinking water
• where sanitation conditions are poor
• travellers visiting friends and family
• long stay travellers.
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)

For further information see Hepatitis A.