Hepatitis A and Typhoid

Know how to protect yourself

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A can affect anyone. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent hepatitis A infection. Vaccines are also available for long term prevention. Symptoms of Hepatitis A may include: Yellow eyes, dark urine, nausea, fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, stomach ache, and/or vomiting. Hepatitis A usually does not cause death.

Typhoid fever is an acute, life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica Typhi. Typhoid vaccination is not required for international travel, but it is recommended for travelers to areas where this is a recognized risk of exposure to S.Typhi. Vaccination is recommended for those who will be traveling in smaller cities, villages, and rural areas off the usual tourist itineraries. Travelers should be cautioned that typhoid vaccination is not 100% effective and is not a substitute for careful selection of food and drink. Symptoms of Typhoid fever may include persistent high fever, headache, malaise, anorexia, spleen enlargement and/or a slowing of the heart rate.

Transmission: Both Hepatitis A virus and Salmonella Typhi are spread from person to person by putting anything in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with either of these infections. In both diseases, the organisms can be spread before the person becomes ill and realizes they are a source of infection to others. These diseases are easily spread in areas where this is poor sanitation or poor personal hygiene.

Tips to help you avoid both Hepatitis A and Typhoid infections:

• If you drink water, buy it bottled or bring it to a rolling boil for 1 minute before you drink it.
• Ask for drinks without ice.
• Avoid Popsicle's and flavored ices that may have been made with contaminated water.
• Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and that are still hot and steaming.
• Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. Vegetables like lettuce are easily contaminated and are very hard to wash well.
• When you eat raw fruit or vegetables that can be peeled, peel them yourself.
• Avoid food and beverages from street vendors.

The Hope Health Center offers vaccinations against both of these diseases. Vaccination is recommended at least 4 weeks before exposure. You may call the Hope Health Center at 395-7585 to schedule an appointment or if you have further questions.