Q:We know a traveler who contracted hepatitis
several years ago from bad seafood and was quite sick. Is he immune
from getting it again or should he have hepatitis inoculations
before traveling abroad?
A: The type of hepatitis generally associated
with seafood is hepatitis A.
This is transmitted not only through undercooked seafood but
also through many other food and water sources as well as via
person-to-person contact. Hepatitis A is common in areas in which
hygiene and sanitation are not optimal.
If it can be confirmed that this traveler had hepatitis A, then
he is immune and does not need further inoculations to prevent this
illness.
Another type of hepatitis vaccine one should consider, however,
is immunization against hepatitis B.
This is a deadly form of hepatitis and is prevalent in many
parts of the world, including Asia and Africa as well as Central
and South America.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and body fluids. Many
activities in which travelers participate put them at potential
risk for contracting hepatitis B.
Recent studies have shown that travelers to high-risk areas may
have unplanned or inadvertent exposures to the virus either via
accidents and injuries resulting in medical care with unsterilized
needles or medical equipment, or through the need for blood
transfusions. Any use of sharp instruments that pierce the skin
(manicures, ear piercing, even haircuts or shaves) may pose the
risk of transmitting hepatitis B virus.
In addition, intimate or sexual contact with high-risk
populations may put a traveler at risk.
Hepatitis B can be prevented by a three-dose inoculation series
that is now routinely used as part of the childhood immunization
series. If you missed it during childhood, speak to your doctor
about being vaccinated.
This column is designed to answer agent questions of general
interest to the trade. Please address your questions to Dr. Bradley
Connor at[email protected].