Hepatitis A Outbreak in Indonesia

10 Oct 2014

Health authorities in Sulawesi Selatan province have declared a health emergency following reports that a significant number of students are suffering from Hepatitis A infection.  The Hepatitis A outbreak was detected at SMAN 2 state senior high school in Pangkep, where 93 students are reported to be infected. Most of the infected students are undergoing out-patient treatment, with around 30 students being treated at Pangkep General Hospital.

Advice for Travellers

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is spread through contaminated water and food, especially shellfish or through person to person contact where personal hygiene is poor (faecal-oral route).

Vaccination against hepatitis A is usually recommended for travellers visiting Indonesia. Travellers should also maintain a high standard of food and water precautions and personal hygiene.