The Travel Health and Vaccine Specialists

Health Alert


LEVEL 1 - PRACTICE USUAL PRECAUTIONS

Hepatitis A in Mexico

Updated May 7, 2015

Released: May 06, 2015

Travel Health Notice

There have been a number of cases of Hepatitis A reported among travellers from the United States who travelled to Tulum, Mexico. The dates of travel ranged from February 15, 2015 to March 20, 2015.

Hepatitis AExternal link is a viral disease that is common in developing countries and is generally associated with poor sanitation and poor hygiene. It is one of the most common vaccine-preventable illnesses in travellers. The risk of hepatitis A exists even for travellers going for short periods of time to urban areas, staying in luxury hotels and who follow good hygiene and water and food precautions.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds travellers to practise safe food and water precautions when travelling to MexicoExternal link and other areas where Hepatitis A is a concernExternal link.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

  1. Get vaccinated if you are at risk but are not immunized (either through previous vaccination or previous hepatitis A infection).
    Discuss the benefits of getting vaccinated with a health care provider before travelling.
  2. Practise safe food and water precautionsExternal link.
  3. Wash your hands frequentlyExternal link.
    • Wash your hands with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds, as often as possible, including before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
    • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. It’s a good idea to always keep some with you when you travel.
  4. Monitor your health.
    If you develop symptoms similar to hepatitis A when you are travelling or after you return, see a health care provider and tell them where you have been travelling or living.