Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It spreads through food or water that has been contaminated, or by close contact with someone who is infected.

👩‍⚕️ Symptoms

Not everyone will have symptoms, especially children. When they do occur, they can appear suddenly and range from mild to severe.

Early symptoms may include:

Fatigue and fever, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting, abdominal pain (usually on the right side where the liver is), dark urine (tea-coloured)

Later symptoms may include:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), pale or clay-coloured stools

Other possible symptoms:

Itchy skin, joint pain (hands, wrists, knees)

⏳ Recovery

Most people recover within 2 months. Fatigue may last for several months after.

Unlike Hepatitis B or C, Hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease. Once you recover, you are immune for life.

🌍 Travel Risks (Asia)

Hepatitis A is widespread in many parts of Asia, especially in regions where sanitation and access to clean water are limited.

High-risk areas:

South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka — these countries have consistently high Hepatitis A prevalence.

Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, parts of Thailand and Malaysia — moderate to high risk, especially outside major tourist areas.

East Asia: China (certain regions), Mongolia — risk varies; urban areas often have lower risk due to better sanitation.

Central Asia: Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan — moderate to high risk.

Urban vs. rural:

Even in major cities, Hepatitis A can be a risk if consuming street food or untreated water. Local tap water may be contaminated, even in good hotels. Ice, salads, or fruit washed in local water may carry risk.

Rural areas generally have a higher risk because sanitation and water treatment may be less reliable.

🌍 Travel Risks (Africa)

Most of Africa is considered high-risk for Hepatitis A.

High-risk countries/regions:

West Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal).

Central Africa (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon).

East Africa (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania).

Parts of North Africa (e.g., Egypt, Sudan).

Urban vs. rural:

Even in major cities, Hepatitis A can be a risk due to inconsistent water treatment, street food hygiene, and crowded living conditions.

Rural areas generally carry a higher risk, especially if travellers are staying in villages, eating local produce, or drinking untreated water.

Exceptions: Some urban areas in South Africa and Northern Africa with well-developed sanitation systems may have a moderate risk, but vaccination is still recommended because outbreaks can occur.

🌍 Travel Risks (South America)

Hepatitis A is common throughout much of South America. Risk is higher in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water.

High-risk countries/regions:

Brazil: Most of the country, especially rural areas and northern regions; urban centres carry moderate risk depending on hygiene.

Peru: Rural areas and regions along the Amazon basin have high risk; Lima and major cities have lower but present risk.

Colombia: Higher risk in rural and low-income regions; urban centres generally safer but outbreaks can occur.

Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Guyana, Suriname: Moderate to high risk in most areas outside well-developed urban centres.

Venezuela: High risk across most regions due to sanitation issues.

Argentina and Chile: Generally lower risk in major cities, higher risk in rural areas.

Urban vs. rural:

Even in large cities, travellers can be exposed if consuming street food, unwashed produce, or untreated water.

Rural or remote areas are consistently higher risk.

✅ How to Protect Yourself

Drink only bottled or filtered water.

Avoid ice unless you know it’s from safe water.

Wash hands regularly, especially before eating.

Use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth.

💉 Hepatitis A Vaccine

The vaccine is highly effective and recommended for travellers to Asia and other regions with higher risk.

First dose: Protects for at least 1 year.

Second dose (6–12 months later): Extends protection for at least 25 years, and possibly for life.

After the 2-dose series, no further boosters are usually needed.

✅ In summary: Hepatitis A is preventable through good food and water hygiene and by getting vaccinated. The vaccine offers long-lasting protection and is the safest way to avoid infection when travelling.