The pathogens of the contagious liver inflammation do not only lurk during tropical travel. Hepatitis A and B are also common in Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Spain. Vaccination offers effective protection. The causative agent of hepatitis A, the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is particularly widespread in subtropical and tropical areas as well as in the Mediterranean region and Eastern Europe. In these countries, the vast majority of the population becomes acquainted with the virus in childhood. In adulthood, these children are then immune to the disease. In Germany, on the other hand, most adults are also defenceless against hepatitis A.
Danger for tourists
For people without naturally acquired immunity and without vaccination protection, there is a high risk of infection when traveling to these countries. Most commonly, the virus is transmitted through contact with feces of infected persons: the main sources of infection are food contaminated by the virus carriers and drinking water contaminated with feces. Incidentally, even people who appear healthy can be infectious, because a large number of viruses are excreted in the stool as early as one to four weeks before symptoms of illness appear. Extremely popular sources of infection are also raw or insufficiently cooked mussels and oysters from contaminated waters. Tourists who enjoy wanderlust under unfavorable hygienic conditions are at particular risk of contracting hepatitis A. It is estimated that one in 50 “hitchhikers” contracts the disease. But even travelers staying in 5-star hotels are not immune to the infectious surprise.
Different course of the disease
The majority of older children and adults experience the typical symptoms of hepatitis. The white sclera in the eye turns yellow, urine becomes the color of dark beer, and stool becomes light to white. In addition, there is nausea and general fatigue. About one third of those who contract the disease also suffer from fever, chills and joint pain. Although hepatitis A is never chronic and is very rarely severe, it does put sufferers out of action for one to two months. In rare cases, the course of the disease can last up to three quarters of a year. In young children, on the other hand, hepatitis A generally runs its course without the typical liver symptoms. As a result, the infection is often not recognized. Even though the disease is usually harmless for the children themselves, they become a source of infection, for example for older siblings, parents… and tourists. Vaccination alone offers real protection against hepatits A infections.
Hepatitis B can be fatal
The same is true for hepatitis B. It is the dangerous “sister” of hepatitis A, so to speak. It ranks third among fatal infectious diseases, claiming the most lives worldwide after tuberculosis and malaria. Those who survive the acute stage are at risk of fatal complications such as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cell cancer. Almost one percent of Germans carry the virus. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through blood and bodily secretions. Sexual contacts are therefore the main source of infection.
Only vaccination protects
Effective protection against infection with hepatitis A and B is provided by vaccination. Vaccines are available from various manufacturers for both children and adults. The easiest way to get vaccinated is with a combination vaccine, which gives reliable protection against both forms of hepatitis for years. Just 2 vaccinations 4 weeks apart and a third six months after the first vaccination make hepatitis lose its terrors.
Hepatitis A and B at a glance
Transmission:
– Hepatitis A: contaminated food, infected toilets.
– Hepatitis B: blood and mucous membranes.
Risk:
– Hepatitis A: travel abroad, especially Mediterranean region
– Hepatitis B: Unprotected sex, blood transmission, contaminated syringes
Incubation period:
– Hepatitis A: 2 to 9 weeks
– Hepatitis B: 1 to 6 months
Acute course with cure:
– Hepatitis A: 99 percent
– Hepatitis B: 90 percent
Chronic course:
– Hepatitis A: No
– Hepatitis B:10 percent
Vaccination possible:
– Hepatitis A: Yes
– Hepatitis B: Yes
