Any returning travellers who are unwell should seek advice from NHS 111 or their GP and mention their travel history.
As of 2 May 2013, there were 16 confirmed cases of infection in three countries: England (six), The Netherlands (six) and Norway (four); a number of probable cases in several other European countries are under investigation. All had a recent history of travel to Egypt before they became ill.
No source of infection has been identified so far; confirmed cases have stayed in at least two different regions in Egypt including Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, both popular tourist destinations on the Red Sea coast.
Egypt has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination in recent years, particularly during winter months. The estimated number of visits made by UK residents to Egypt has increased from 230,000 visits in 2000 to an all-time high in 2009 of 749,000; in 2012, there were an estimated 407,000 UK visits.
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis A virus, and the disease varies from mild nausea and fever to jaundice and severe liver inflammation.
The infection is caused by faecal contamination in water, and is easily transmitted in food and drinking water. Risks can be reduced by awareness of safe food and drink choices, good hygiene of one’s self and that of the food handlers, and vaccination if travelling to at risk destinations.
The Travel Clinic Ltd keeps a stock of Hepatitis A vaccination, and 2 doses given 6-12 months apart may provide up to 20 years of protection.
This can be also given with typhoid vaccines of which the Clinic has ample supplies.
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