13 May 2024 | 02:34 PM UTC
Brazil: Elevated hepatitis A activity reported in Curitiba, Parana in May
Elevated hepatitis A activity reported in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, in May. Confirm vaccination; use food and water precautions.
Brazilian health officials have reported elevated hepatitis A activity in Curitiba, Parana, with 150 cases reported Jan. 1-April 26. This is compared to the 23 cases reported in 2023. Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, and to practice basic health precautions, including washing your hands regularly, washing fruits and vegetables, and only using water from reliable and sanitary sources. This report represents the most up-to-date information as of May 13.
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).
