Hepatitis A in Hawaii

04 Jul 2016

The Hawaii State Department of Health is investigating a cluster of 12 cases of hepatitis A infection in adults on Oahu; 6 of which have been hospitalised.  The onsets of illness have ranged from 16 June through 27 June 2016. A state Epidemiologist advised that Healthcare providers have been informed and asked to notify Hawaii State Department of Health immediately of any further cases.

Advice for Travellers

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated water and food or person to person via the faecal-oral route. Most travellers to the USA will be at very low risk of disease.

Travellers to Oahu should be made aware of current outbreak and advised to avoid consumption of potentially contaminated drinks and drinking water and to ensure food is uncontaminated or cooked thoroughly. Personal hygiene when eating and drinking is also important including hand washing prior to eating and using clean plates, cups and utensils.