22 Apr 2024 | 05:08 PM UTC
Colombia: Elevated hepatitis A activity reported in Medellín in April
Elevated hepatitis A activity reported in Medellín, Antioquia, in April. Confirm vaccination; use food and water precautions.
Colombian health officials have reported elevated hepatitis A activity in Medellín, Antioquia, with 431 cases reported Jan. 1-April 17. This is compared to the 179 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. The majority of the cases have been reported in urban areas such as Popular, Manrique, San Javier, and Belén. Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, and anyone infected should not prepare food and should be isolated to prevent disease transmission. This report represents the most up-to-date information as of April 22.
Consult a travel medicine provider before departure regarding hepatitis A vaccination. Practice food and water precautions. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two months of being in affected areas.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable disease transmitted directly through food or water contaminated with fecal material from an infected person. Symptoms typically appear 4 weeks after exposure, but can develop 2 weeks to 2 months after exposure. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, loss of appetite, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
