06 Jun 2024 | 09:13 AM UTC
Brazil: Elevated hepatitis A activity reported in Curitiba, Parana, in early June /update 1
Elevated hepatitis A activity reported in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, in early June. Confirm vaccination; use food and water precautions.
Brazilian health officials have reported elevated hepatitis A activity in Curitiba, Parana, with an additional 122 cases reported April 27-May 31, bringing the total case count to 272 cases reported since Jan. 1. This is compared to the 23 cases reported in 2023. Curitiba has reported 134 hepatitis A cases from 2012 to 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 June 6.
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).
